Abstract: This article provides a background to the development of cognitive therapy and cognitive therapeutic skills with a specific focus on the treatment of a depressive episode. It discusses the utility of cognitive therapeutic strategies to the model of crisis theory and initial crisis assessment currently used by the Community Assessment & Treatment Team of Waitemata District Health Board. A brief background to cognitive therapy is provided, followed by a comprehensive example of the use of the Socratic questioning method in guiding collaborative assessment and treatment of suicidality by nurses during the initial crisis assessment.

Abstract: This paper explores, through the use of a case study, an evidence-based diagnostic reasoning process utilising the framework followed by Dains, Baumann and Scheibel (1998). This framework, as described by these authors, involves an inductive process of reasoning, which leads to formulation of a hypothesis that is then analysed using an evidence-based approach. From this analysis, a likely diagnosis can be made and appropriate therapeutic intervention initiated. This research demonstrates that although an evidence-based approach is the ideal, sometimes clinical intuition is equally important to the clinical outcome.

Abstract: This qualitative study explores the perceptions of mental health nurses regarding assessment in an acute adult inpatient setting in Central Auckland. Fourteen mental health nurses took part in semi-structured interviews answering five open-ended questions. The analysis of data involved a general inductive approach, with key themes drawn out and grouped into four categories (roles, attitudes, skills and knowledge) in order to explore the meaning of information gathered. The outcome of the study acknowledged the importance of contextual factors such as the physical environment and bureaucratic systems, as well as values and beliefs present within the unit. The participants expressed concern that their input to assessment processes was limited, despite belief that 24-hour care and the nature of mental health nursing generally suggested that a crucial role should exist for nurses. In order for nurses to be established as central in the assessment process on the unit the study concludes that a nursing theoretical framework appropriate for this acute inpatient setting needs to be developed.

Abstract: This reports on an initiative at Whakatane Hospital, where a Nurse-Led pre-assessment (NLPA) was delivered at an outpatients clinic. NLPA involves taking a comprehensive medical history, a nursing assessment, physical examination, airway assessment, ordering appropriate investigations and carefully documenting the process and results. More valuably, it provides an opportunity for the patient to participate in planning their care. The aim of this initative was to short circuit delays and congestion in existing pre-assessment clinics, streamline the pre-assessment process and reduce the number of patient visits to hospital. Reducing cancellations of surgery (often on the day of surgery) and “did not appear” (DNA) numbers were also objectives. After a small pilot, a six-month trial was funded by the Ministry of Health. Over the six-month trial, 373 patients attended NLPA; 178 patients required anaesthetist review before surgery, and 198 could proceed directly to surgery following NLPA. An anonymous postal survey was made of patients, who indicated satisfaction with the service. Other outcomes are discussed, and the trial was deemed successful. Follow up plans have been disrupted by restructuring at the hospital and the clinic has yet to be implemented.

Abstract: This study explores how registered nurses working within the acute surgical ward environment of a New Zealand hospital communicate changes in a patient's condition. The purpose of this research study was to examine the processes, communication techniques and behaviours that nurses use, in order to determine the critical requirements for registered nurses to effectively communicate changes in patients' conditions to doctors. The critical incident technique developed by Flanagan (1954) was adapted and used to explore incidents that occurred when six registered nurses working in acute surgical wards communicated a change in a patient's condition to a doctor. Communication is an integral part of everyday activity. This study has shown an assessment process occurs before communication can take place. A nurse's concern for a patient's condition initiates the assessment process. A judgement is formed from the nurse's concern that a patient's condition has changed. Judgements take into account multiple ways of knowing including pattern recognition, empirical knowing and intuition. Institutional protocols also affect judgements and the ability of a nurse to ensure support is received for the patient's well being. The communication process is initiated for two reasons, to support the patient, and to support the nurse in providing care for the patient. Significant in determining the need for support is the action required that might be outside the nurse's scope of practice. The response should address the nurse's concern and take into account the importance of the relationship, trust between all parties, respect of each other's positions and knowing team members and their capabilities. Understanding these aspects of the communication process should enhance nurses and doctors abilities to effectively communicate regarding a change in a patient's condition.