Evidence-Based Practices and Observational Study among People with Mental Disorders - Research Paper Example

Evidence-Based Practices and Observational Study among People with Mental Disorders Introduction Different evidences collected from the research base on medical interventions among patients with mental disease are at the core of contemporary practitioners, nurses and paramedics. As a would-be doctor one should be capable of extracting the most precious pieces of information useful in practice. Thus, the paper investigates two studies in their mutual relationship toward practical implications in medicine. Summary The article by Stahmer & Aarons (2009) rediscovers the issue of the increase of autistic children across the United States. In this respect the main attention is grabbed to the idea of evidence-based practices (EBPs) as Medicare lacks it in service system for those children. Thus, the destiny of the efficient treatment of autism among children is well relied on the dissemination and implementation of EBPs throughout the health services across the country. This study investigates the role of different providers in assisting children with autism through the core educational implications. Thereupon, the findings in the study state that early interventions for autistic children by education-based providers are more favorable than by mental health providers in the public health system. Moreover, there is little threat of deviation between current practices and EBPs for experienced early intervention providers. On the other hand, the article by Hassapidou, et al. (2011) aims at the investigation of nutritional interventions among patients with severe mental illness (SMI) due to the fact that there is a high rate portfolio of obesity among such individuals which impacts the growth of cardiovascular diseases. In this respect the study examines the use of nutritional practices in the long-term run. Suchlike approach is statistically identified and fixed in order to designate the three groups of patients and their results respectively. Insofar, the research has shown that 423 patients (42,8%) out of the overall number quitted, 285 got through the 6 months of the nutritional intervention, and 145 were successful in completing the 9 months program (Hassapidou, et al., 2011). Judging from this study, the research also highlighted important decrease in body weight among patients as well as in body mass index (BMI). All in all, the results of the study have manifested the significance of weight-reducing practices as a way to decrease the threats of cardiovascular diseases as a result. Critical analysis Looking at the relevant similarity of the two articles, the main questions posed provide a circumspect empirical knowledge on the problem of mental health practices (MHP) in their relation to some additional approach for the sake of the normal functioning of the organism. Children with autism and people with SMI are in the group of risk. This is why the researchers’ purpose is to find out the link between EBPs and current mental health interventions, on the one hand, and the practical evidence of the improvement in the cardiovascular portfolio through specific diets. As both studies are based on the empirical observations, the theoretical approach was preliminary appropriate so as to find out the consistency in researching the problem as it is. This is why the study reported by Stahmer & Aarons (2009) depicts that the theoretical approach touched upon several variables, such as the demographics, attitudes toward EBPs, mental health providers versus education-based providers, etc. Conversely, the study by Hassapidou, et al. (2011) points the theoretical basis for the discussion on cardiovascular risk factors as the way toward deterioration of the mental health among patients with SMI. The literature review in both studies is quite adequate. First, the sources are closely related to the particular fields of study in each article. It makes no one doubt in their feasibility and applicability to the research. Second, all references are slightly divided into recent and early studies, which makes one believe in the up-to-dated character of the facts and assumptions listed in the articles. Third, the sources are all given from the American authoritative publications of mainly medical and sociological character. Definitely, the research design suits the question posed in each study. First of all, it is all about the structure of the articles including abstract, background, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. All of these parts fit into the academic credibility of the sources and makes them attractive for the academic audience in the flow of the scientific ideas outlined in each study separately. This is why the headings and subheadings help break the articles down thematically and logically. In turn, it is no big deal in consulting the research findings per se. Furthermore, the study by Stahmer & Aarons (2009) as well as the study by Hassapidou, et al. (2011) is fully scientific in their fundamentals. It is well described in the methodology used in each research and in the way the studies were backed up. Notably, each article is up to date. Thereupon, they can be used by other researchers to support their hypotheses in terms of the scientific thought in medicine. Features like academic vernacular, correlation tables, and schemes with formulae support the scientific background of each article. Examination of the usefulness Each article is dedicated to a particular clear-cut issue in the medical intervention practices. In this respect they present special significance for the beginners. Empirical knowledge gained by virtue of each article redefines the main goals of a devoted practitioner in his/her ability to meet the needs of patients with autism and those with SMI. Needless to say, care is above all, and these articles just show the way how to solve issues providing patients with more prospects for self-development and efficacy of EBPs (Stahmer & Aarons, 2009) and with less risk for cardiovascular functioning among individuals with SMI (Hassapidou, et al., 2011). In practice, both articles may be useful as guides for the novices. In this respect one should bear it in mind that EBPs more effectively impact the growth of positive attitudes among autistic children than mental health practices (Stahmer & Aarons, 2009). By contrast, adiposity and metabolic parameters may be significantly decreased by means of a personalized (customized) nutritional intervention (Hassapidou, et al., 2011). It goes without saying that such premises should well made out before implementing them in practice. To make the information in both articles useful for practitioners, there should be more practical examples along with additional suggestions on how to improve on inducing this or that approach toward a patient. Conclusion Therefore, the two articles under analysis have shown their indisputable usefulness for the scientific through at large and for the assessment practices toward individuals with mental disorders, in particular. The empirical knowledge gained out of both studies is helpful for practitioners closely linked to patients with autism and SMI respectively. Reference Hassapidou, M., Papadimitriou, K., Athanasiadou, N., Tokmakidou, V., Pagkalos, I., Vlahavas, G., et al. (2011). Changes in body weight, body composition and cardiovascular riskaaaaa factors after long-term nutritional intervention in patients with severe mental illness: an observational study. BMC Psychiatry , 11 (31), 1-8. Stahmer, A. C., & Aarons, G. A. (2009). Attitudes Toward Adoption of Evidence-Based Practices: A Comparison of Autism Early Intervention Providers and Children’s Mental Health Providers. Psychological Services , 6 (3), 223–234. Read More