Promoting Physical Health and Well-being for People with Mental Health Problem - Essay Example

Running Head: PHYSICAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM Physical health and well-being for people with mental health problem [Name of the Writer] [Name of the Institution] Physical health and well-being for people with mental health problem This essay is a reflection of my presence at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting on occasion of my five-weeks placement at a mental health hospital. The main objective of this essay is to talk about the significance of the multidisciplinary team to improve physical wellbeing of patient with mental retardation. Teams for Mental health care include clinical psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and nurses. (Freshwater, 2002) However, some more therapists like counselors, family therapists, or psychotherapists may also take part in caring for patient. (Stephenson, 2000) Every year nearly 14-20% of individuals are diagnosed with a mental health problem. However, only 25% of these individuals opt for any professional help. (Maddison, 2004) Such mental health problems also impact physical well-being, learning, emotional and social development of young and adolescents. (Cooley, 2000) As mentioned by Christensen (2003) young individuals who have mental health problems are less able to: gain knowledge of anything; build strong relationships within society e.g. family members and carers; cope with challenges of daily life; accomplish long-term learning and occupational goals; and have the benefit of a good quality life. If early signs of mental retardation are left unattended, minute problems of mental health can potentially turn in to more severe problems and probably develop into mental or more severe disorders. (Rogers and Pilgrim, 2001) For these individuals, early medical support and a more helpful surroundings can lead to better quality of life in upcoming years. Gibbs (1988) model of reflection has been used to assist with my reflective process. Gibb’s model consists of a procedure that facilitates the individual understanding of the situation and helps better understand the thoughts and feelings at the time of the event. (Gibbs, 1988) Reflective skills facilitate in evaluating what could have been done. (Onyett, 2003) Hence, it tells how to cope in case of a similar type of situation in future, with a professional approach. (Bulman & Schutz, 2004) In order to utilise this situation for my reflection, the name of this patient will be referred to as "Anne". As according to the NMC (2002) Code of Professional Conduct, her actual name will remain protected to ensure confidentially. (Singer, 2001) Description Anne is a 55 year old lady, who used to work as a receptionist in a local office. Anne was living on her own from past 8 years when her husband passed away. She has two daughters who reside locally and come to visit her couple of days every week. Anne was sent to mental health hospital on recommendation of her GP due to twenty months history of paranoid schizophrenia and it was recommended that Anne will visit the mental health hospital for five weeks for assessment and will remain occupied to perform therapeutic activities there. Within the mental health hospital Anne remained under observation. She was found repetitive with acute mental episodes like noticeable indication of fabrication, dreadfully baffled, with reduced attentiveness and extra ordinary short-term memory. Mental health nurses were asked by the specialist to assess Anne. Her tests proved that Anne is suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. Paranoid schizophrenia is now quite common in population of aged 65, It occurs in apprehension of persuetion, unwanted thoughts, feelings or impact destruction. (Taylor, 2006) Then an MDT meeting was organised in order to discuss the required care for Anne, so that she can live safely in her own home like before. The meeting was chaired by her expert consultant, who recommended that Anne would benefit the most from medication that will assist her with memory problems. The community psychiatric nurse came up with the concerns of Anne’s son. Her son was worried about her wandering outside during unsuitable times of day. She forgets to eat her food and rarely remembers to turn off the taps and electrical or gas appliances present in her house. Anne’s social worker gave suggestion of sending domestic carers to Anne’s house but she was told that Anne spends most of her day outside and she is never found at home. Anne’s social worker decided to arrange another meeting involving Anne’s son too. They decided that, they will ask her son to ensure that Anne takes her medicines according to prescription and to convince Anne to remain at her home until her carers turn up. According to The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) UK. (2002) nurses need to perform their job in a collaborative way. They must work with collaboration of healthcare professionals and other staff members while delivering care to the patients, and be acquainted with and value their particular roles within the care team. Like in case of Anne, multidisciplinary team worked together with health professionals and help mental health patient in providing her the most suitable package of care. Annes mental health condition did not only affect her but her family members too, who have been very concerned and tried their best to provide her with full support. Anne comes outside her home alone, not considering time of the day. It is extremely dangerous for her general well being and safety too. She is prone to falling at night due to darkness or she can get injured in an accident. However, nothing much can be done to make somebody remain indoors against their willingness. (Read, 2002) After attending MDT meeting, I feel clear management and effective communication between members of mental health team is most significant to Promote physical health and well-being for people with mental health problem and to  make sure that they achieve a clear understanding of the outcomes. Hence, by using Gibbs model of reflection, I feel team working provides strength to mental health nursing and leaves an impact on the accomplishment or failure of the care or treatment received by the patient. (Onyett, 2003) In my opinion, the effectiveness of treatment for mental health problems will leave a positive impact on overall physical health and wellbeing of Anne or any other patient of mental health and prevent . References. Birchwood, M. et al (2000) Schizophrenia: early warning signs. 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