Effectively managing Behavioral health /mental health illness in a medical/surgical unit in a hospital
By now you should have received feedback from your Evidence Matrix assignment in NU 760. Use the faculty feedback provided from that assignment as an aid as you construct your draft literature support paper.
The literature support assignment is an informal paper draft of the literature that frames and provides support for the DNP project. The paper may be, but is not required to be, written in APA (7th ed.) format. The paper should include a reference list for citations contained in the draft. The literature cited should primarily focus on filtered evidence such as reviews (e.g. Cochrane, Joanna Briggs Institute, scoping, systematic, integrated, meta-analysis/meta-synthesis, simple literature, clinical practice recommendation and guidelines) before non-filtered evidence (e.g. individual studies, recommendations, opinions, or other literature). The paper should be organized to present the literature and then connect it to the project. The draft may include, but is not required to include all the following elements:
- Literature about the type of practice.
- Literature about quality improvement.
- Literature about the population.
- Literature about the problem.
- Literature about intervening with or addressing the problem.
Resources
The structure of a literature review – The Royal Literary Fund (rlf.org.uk)
Example draft paper included as a link outside of this document
Managing behavioral health and mental health issues in a medical/surgical unit in a hospital is a critical aspect of healthcare, given the high prevalence of these conditions among patients. To effectively address this challenge, it is essential to gather evidence from various sources to inform best practices and improve patient outcomes. Here, I will outline the key elements that should be included in your literature support paper for your DNP project, referencing both faculty feedback and relevant literature.
- Literature about the Type of Practice: Begin by presenting literature that addresses the nature of your practice, which involves managing behavioral health and mental health issues in a medical/surgical unit. This section should describe the unique challenges and characteristics of this practice setting. Focus on publications that discuss the integration of mental health care into medical/surgical settings, including models of care and best practices.
- Literature about Quality Improvement: Explore literature related to quality improvement initiatives in healthcare. Discuss how quality improvement methodologies, such as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle or Lean Six Sigma, have been applied in medical/surgical units to enhance care for patients with behavioral health and mental health issues. Highlight the importance of measuring and monitoring outcomes to drive improvements.
- Literature about the Population: Investigate literature that focuses on the specific population you are dealing with in your medical/surgical unit. This could include information about the prevalence of behavioral health and mental health conditions in this population, common comorbidities, and patient demographics. Understanding the unique needs of your patient population is crucial for tailoring interventions effectively.
- Literature about the Problem: Present an in-depth analysis of the problem at hand. This should encompass the challenges, gaps in care, and the impact of untreated or poorly managed behavioral health and mental health conditions on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Use faculty feedback to refine your problem statement and ensure it is clear and well-defined.
- Literature about Intervening with or Addressing the Problem: This section is perhaps the most critical, as it will lay the foundation for your DNP project. Gather literature on evidence-based interventions and strategies for effectively managing behavioral health and mental health issues in a medical/surgical unit. Focus on filtered evidence, such as systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and best practice recommendations. Explore interventions that have demonstrated positive outcomes in terms of patient care, safety, and staff satisfaction.
It’s crucial to connect the gathered literature to your DNP project. Explain how the evidence you’ve reviewed informs your project’s objectives and goals. Discuss how you plan to implement best practices and evidence-based interventions in your specific healthcare setting. Additionally, highlight how your project aligns with the broader goals of improving patient care and outcomes in your medical/surgical unit.
Ensure that your paper includes a reference list, and consider using APA (7th ed.) format for citations and references, as appropriate for your program’s requirements. The quality and depth of your literature review will play a crucial role in the success of your DNP project and its potential to drive positive changes in the management of behavioral health and mental health issues in your hospital’s medical/surgical unit.