Numerous quantitative studies confirm the positive effects of mindfulness on healthcare professionals. However, recent qualitative research on their experiences and the relationship between mindfulness and self-care remains scarce. Exploring how professionals describe and perceive mindfulness as enhancing their professional self-care is essential.
Objective
To explore the experiences of healthcare professionals regarding mindfulness practice and self-care, based on existing qualitative evidence.
Materials and methods
A qualitative metasynthesis following PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines was conducted through a systematic search across five databases, resulting in the inclusion of nine articles.
Results
Three main categories with five subcategories were identified. These address key aspects of mindfulness practice, the new awareness of self-care developed after training, and reflections on the program.
Discussion
Healthcare professionals perceive mindfulness positively, noting its role in stress reduction, overall well-being, improved patient care quality, and fostering self-care.
Implications for practice and recommendations
The findings highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms through which mindfulness benefits healthcare workers. The study underscores its potential to transform the healthcare sector and emphasizes the need for further research with larger samples.
{"title":"Mindfulness and self-care in healthcare professionals: A qualitative metasynthesis","authors":"Sonia Ortiz-Moreno , David Giménez-Díez , Antonio Pastor-Méndez , Purificación Escobar-García , Rebeca Gómez-Ibáñez , Mariela Patricia Aguayo-González , Rubén Maldonado-Alia , Carolina Watson-Badia","doi":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.152002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.152002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Numerous quantitative studies confirm the positive effects of mindfulness on healthcare professionals. However, recent qualitative research on their experiences and the relationship between mindfulness and self-care remains scarce. Exploring how professionals describe and perceive mindfulness as enhancing their professional self-care is essential.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore the experiences of healthcare professionals regarding mindfulness practice and self-care, based on existing qualitative evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A qualitative metasynthesis following PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines was conducted through a systematic search across five databases, resulting in the inclusion of nine articles.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three main categories with five subcategories were identified. These address key aspects of mindfulness practice, the new awareness of self-care developed after training, and reflections on the program.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Healthcare professionals perceive mindfulness positively, noting its role in stress reduction, overall well-being, improved patient care quality, and fostering self-care.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice and recommendations</h3><div>The findings highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms through which mindfulness benefits healthcare workers. The study underscores its potential to transform the healthcare sector and emphasizes the need for further research with larger samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55466,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Psychiatric Nursing","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article 152002"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145580202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2025.151992
Mady Stovall , Nicholas Shaffer
Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective treatment and a mainstay for managing serious mental illness but possesses serious teratogenic risks. As a community psychiatry clinic that receives referrals from local inpatient hospitals, we recognized that women of childbearing potential were being initiated on VPA without adequate contraceptive counseling or access to highly effective contraceptive methods. In response, we implemented a targeted initiative to assess and address contraceptive needs, offering psychoeducation and injectable contraception within the clinic. Our goal was to address undermet/unmet contraceptive needs and thereby reduce the frequency of unintended pregnancy in our female patients. We met our specific aim in this quality improvement project by reducing the risk of pregnancy from 37 % to 27 %. We will continue offering this intervention in our psychiatric clinic moving forward.
{"title":"Improving contraceptive access and use among women on teratogenic medications in a community-based psychiatry clinic","authors":"Mady Stovall , Nicholas Shaffer","doi":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.151992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.151992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective treatment and a mainstay for managing serious mental illness but possesses serious teratogenic risks. As a community psychiatry clinic that receives referrals from local inpatient hospitals, we recognized that women of childbearing potential were being initiated on VPA without adequate contraceptive counseling or access to highly effective contraceptive methods. In response, we implemented a targeted initiative to assess and address contraceptive needs, offering psychoeducation and injectable contraception within the clinic. Our goal was to address undermet/unmet contraceptive needs and thereby reduce the frequency of unintended pregnancy in our female patients. We met our specific aim in this quality improvement project by reducing the risk of pregnancy from 37 % to 27 %. We will continue offering this intervention in our psychiatric clinic moving forward.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55466,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Psychiatric Nursing","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article 151992"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145580274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2025.151993
Ömer Alkan , Arife Kilinç
<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to identify the levels and risk factors associated with physical and emotional violence that women in Türkiye have been subjected to simultaneously by their husbands/partners at some point in their lives.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Bivariate probit regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with women's experiences of physical and emotional violence inflicted by their husbands/partners. In this study, the cross-sectional data of the National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Türkiye conducted in 2014 by the Institute of Population Studies of Hacettepe University were used. The survey questionnaires of The National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Türkiye were implemented by the research team. The number of samples to be considered was calculated as 6458. The sampling of the research was carried out using cluster sampling. The weights calculated in accordance with the sample design of the research were added to these data sets.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The study revealed that 33 % of women experienced physical violence, while 41 % faced emotional violence. Women living in the central region, those with children, and those whose educational level exceeded that of their husband/partner were found to have a higher likelihood of experiencing both forms of violence. It was determined that young women were less likely to be exposed to physical and emotional violence. As women's educational level and health status improve, their likelihood of being exposed to physical and emotional violence decreases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of the study reveal that these forms of violence are interconnected and underscore the importance of devising effective strategies to lower the risk for women who are more susceptible to experiencing physical and emotional violence in the future. Conducting more comprehensive research on these forms of violence in Türkiye from diverse perspectives could serve as a crucial guide in identifying key areas that require immediate attention for addressing this issue.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for nursing</h3><div>The study results demonstrate that effective strategies to protect women at risk—such as gender equality campaigns, the widespread implementation of violence screening protocols in health check-ups, and increasing the capacity of shelters—must be urgently implemented by policymakers, healthcare professionals, social workers, and local organizations. In particular, the use of standardized violence assessment tools during routine examinations in healthcare facilities can provide an effective method for early intervention and referral. In addition, training healthcare personnel to identify and support victims of violence will enhance the effectiveness of this process. Conducting multidisciplinary, comprehensive research to understand the socio-cultural and structural dynamics of do
{"title":"Assessing the levels and association between emotional and physical intimate partner violence against women in Türkiye","authors":"Ömer Alkan , Arife Kilinç","doi":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.151993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.151993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to identify the levels and risk factors associated with physical and emotional violence that women in Türkiye have been subjected to simultaneously by their husbands/partners at some point in their lives.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Bivariate probit regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with women's experiences of physical and emotional violence inflicted by their husbands/partners. In this study, the cross-sectional data of the National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Türkiye conducted in 2014 by the Institute of Population Studies of Hacettepe University were used. The survey questionnaires of The National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Türkiye were implemented by the research team. The number of samples to be considered was calculated as 6458. The sampling of the research was carried out using cluster sampling. The weights calculated in accordance with the sample design of the research were added to these data sets.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The study revealed that 33 % of women experienced physical violence, while 41 % faced emotional violence. Women living in the central region, those with children, and those whose educational level exceeded that of their husband/partner were found to have a higher likelihood of experiencing both forms of violence. It was determined that young women were less likely to be exposed to physical and emotional violence. As women's educational level and health status improve, their likelihood of being exposed to physical and emotional violence decreases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of the study reveal that these forms of violence are interconnected and underscore the importance of devising effective strategies to lower the risk for women who are more susceptible to experiencing physical and emotional violence in the future. Conducting more comprehensive research on these forms of violence in Türkiye from diverse perspectives could serve as a crucial guide in identifying key areas that require immediate attention for addressing this issue.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for nursing</h3><div>The study results demonstrate that effective strategies to protect women at risk—such as gender equality campaigns, the widespread implementation of violence screening protocols in health check-ups, and increasing the capacity of shelters—must be urgently implemented by policymakers, healthcare professionals, social workers, and local organizations. In particular, the use of standardized violence assessment tools during routine examinations in healthcare facilities can provide an effective method for early intervention and referral. In addition, training healthcare personnel to identify and support victims of violence will enhance the effectiveness of this process. Conducting multidisciplinary, comprehensive research to understand the socio-cultural and structural dynamics of do","PeriodicalId":55466,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Psychiatric Nursing","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article 151993"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145580201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2025.152004
Trae Stewart
This article reexamines the contested role of physical touch in psychiatric-mental health nursing, where institutional norms often restrict contact due to concerns about trauma, safety, and professional risk. While these restrictions are grounded in legitimate ethical concerns, they also reflect deeper institutional logics of surveillance, control, and epistemic reductionism. Drawing on theories of embodiment, trauma healing, feminist care ethics, and relational nursing, this article critically interrogates the consequences of disembodied care models that privilege procedural neutrality over relational presence. It argues for a reframing of therapeutic touch not as a clinical risk or fixed technique, but as an ethical, relational practice requiring contextual discernment, cultural sensitivity, and reflective engagement. By moving beyond binary positions—either prohibition or permissiveness—this article proposes a situated ethics of touch, grounded in the moral complexities of psychiatric nursing. Ultimately, it calls for institutional and pedagogical reforms that support nurses in navigating this complexity with attunement, agency, and accountability.
{"title":"Trauma, boundaries, and connection: Rethinking touch in psychiatric nursing practice","authors":"Trae Stewart","doi":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.152004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.152004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article reexamines the contested role of physical touch in psychiatric-mental health nursing, where institutional norms often restrict contact due to concerns about trauma, safety, and professional risk. While these restrictions are grounded in legitimate ethical concerns, they also reflect deeper institutional logics of surveillance, control, and epistemic reductionism. Drawing on theories of embodiment, trauma healing, feminist care ethics, and relational nursing, this article critically interrogates the consequences of disembodied care models that privilege procedural neutrality over relational presence. It argues for a reframing of therapeutic touch not as a clinical risk or fixed technique, but as an ethical, relational practice requiring contextual discernment, cultural sensitivity, and reflective engagement. By moving beyond binary positions—either prohibition or permissiveness—this article proposes a situated ethics of touch, grounded in the moral complexities of psychiatric nursing. Ultimately, it calls for institutional and pedagogical reforms that support nurses in navigating this complexity with attunement, agency, and accountability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55466,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Psychiatric Nursing","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article 152004"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145580203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The growing older adult population in Türkiye and the rest of the world highlights the health impacts of psychosocial issues. Frailty—associated with falls, disability, and care needs—often coexists with depression and loneliness. This study investigates how frailty relates to depression, loneliness, and self-neglect in older adults.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in Istanbul. The study was conducted with 259 older adults (≥65 years) between September 2023 and February 2024. A sociodemographic information form, the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15, the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly, the Istanbul Medical School Elder Self-Neglect Questionnaire, and the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, and simple, multiple, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses.
Results
The prevalence of frailty among the participants was 60.6 %, whereas depressive symptoms were seen in 28.6 %, loneliness was identified in 53.7 %, and self-neglect was detected in 32.4 %. Depression, loneliness, and self-neglect significantly predicted frailty, explaining 51.9 % of its variance (p < 0.001). Furthermore, depression, health perceptions, loneliness, self-neglect, pain, the community where the participants lived the longest, and living with a nuclear family were also significant predictors of frailty. Together, these factors accounted for 65.1 % of the total variance in frailty (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The study found that depression, loneliness, and self-neglect were linked to greater frailty in older adults. Early interventions and psychosocial support may reduce frailty by addressing these issues and promoting social interaction.
{"title":"The relationships between frailty and depression, loneliness, and self-neglect in older adults: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Yasemin Adıgüzel Yaşar , Sümeyye Gencer , Nesrin İlhan , Türkinaz Aştı","doi":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.151997","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apnu.2025.151997","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and objectives</h3><div>The growing older adult population in Türkiye and the rest of the world highlights the health impacts of psychosocial issues. Frailty—associated with falls, disability, and care needs—often coexists with depression and loneliness. This study investigates how frailty relates to depression, loneliness, and self-neglect in older adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in Istanbul. The study was conducted with 259 older adults (≥65 years) between September 2023 and February 2024. A sociodemographic information form, the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15, the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly, the Istanbul Medical School Elder Self-Neglect Questionnaire, and the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, and simple, multiple, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prevalence of frailty among the participants was 60.6 %, whereas depressive symptoms were seen in 28.6 %, loneliness was identified in 53.7 %, and self-neglect was detected in 32.4 %. Depression, loneliness, and self-neglect significantly predicted frailty, explaining 51.9 % of its variance (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Furthermore, depression, health perceptions, loneliness, self-neglect, pain, the community where the participants lived the longest, and living with a nuclear family were also significant predictors of frailty. Together, these factors accounted for 65.1 % of the total variance in frailty (<em>p</em> < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study found that depression, loneliness, and self-neglect were linked to greater frailty in older adults. Early interventions and psychosocial support may reduce frailty by addressing these issues and promoting social interaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55466,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Psychiatric Nursing","volume":"60 ","pages":"Article 151997"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145528999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}