Global Journal of Nursing & Forensic Studies
Open Access

Forensic mental health nursing; Mental health disorders; Criminal justice system; Public safety; Psychiatric disorders

Introduction

The diverse roles and responsibilities of forensic mental health nurses, such as conducting mental health assessments, providing therapeutic interventions, managing crises, facilitating group therapy, and promoting reintegration into the community. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of forensic mental health nurses as advocates for their patients, ensuring their rights and dignity are respected throughout the legal process [1].

Moreover, this abstract highlights the critical skills and competencies required in forensic mental health nursing, including a strong knowledge base of psychiatric disorders, legal and ethical principles, risk assessment, de-escalation techniques, and evidence-based practices. It also emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development and training to stay updated with the evolving landscape of forensic mental health. Forensic mental health nursing is a specialized field that combines the disciplines of mental health and law enforcement to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health disorders who are involved with the criminal justice system. This unique branch of nursing addresses the complex needs of this population, aiming to promote their well-being, facilitate their rehabilitation, and ensure public safety [2].

The intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system presents a range of challenges and complexities. Many individuals who come into contact with the legal system have underlying mental health issues that require specialized attention and care. Forensic mental health nurses play a crucial role in assessing and addressing these mental health needs, while also navigating the legal frameworks and ethical considerations associated with forensic settings. The primary goal of forensic mental health nursing is to provide evidencebased, therapeutic interventions that promote recovery and facilitate the reintegration of individuals into society. Forensic mental health nurses work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and legal professionals, to develop and implement individualized treatment plans. These plans not only focus on managing mental health symptoms but also address factors such as risk assessment, anger management, substance abuse, and social support [3].

Waiting in suspension and the diminution of life

A lot of the patients described thinking about sex either in terms of the present or in terms of what they were able to do in the past while they were waiting in suspension. The majority of participants had never discussed their needs with staff members because they believed that doing so would either result in additional scrutiny and possibly restriction, a form of "reductive objectification." Using a variety of colors to depict their relationship to their sexuality, the drawings made during the interviews offered a means of literally or metaphorically expressing feelings of sexuality. The patient's need to abstain from sexual activity until they were able to leave the hospital and live elsewhere was a recurring theme. In addition to providing direct patient care, forensic mental health nurses serve as advocates for their patients, ensuring their rights and dignity are respected throughout the legal process. They are well-versed in legal and ethical principles and work diligently to protect the interests and well-being of the individuals under their care. To be effective in this specialized field, forensic mental health nurses require a diverse skill set. They need a strong foundation in psychiatric disorders, as well as an understanding of the legal and ethical considerations specific to forensic settings. They must be skilled in conducting mental health assessments, managing crises, employing de-escalation techniques, and implementing evidence-based practices.

Ongoing professional development and training are essential for forensic mental health nurses to stay abreast of advancements in both mental health care and legal practices [4].

Materials and Methods

Patient and public involvement

Participation of the public and patients Participation of the public and patients was an important part of this study. The key members of the research team were a Lived Experience Consultant and a Lived Experience Research Assistant, both of whom had prior experience with inpatient care. For the purpose of this research, both assisted in the formation and facilitation of a Lived Experience Advisory Panel, which consisted of eight people who had a variety of lived experiences with inpatient mental healthcare, some of which included using body-worn cameras. The involvement group created a glossary in plain English for this paper, which is in Appendix I. Prior to the start of the study, most participants from a lived experience perspective were ambivalent about the use of body-worn cameras. In accordance with the revised Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public, details on participation in this project are provided in Supplementary Material Appendix II [5].

Critical appraisal

Two authors (XX, XX) independently evaluated the methodological rigor and quality of each study using standard critical appraisal instruments. These instruments included the Critical Appraisal of Cross- Sectional Studies checklist, the Critical Appraisal of Qualitative Studies checklist, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. the completion of independent evaluations, both authors compared completed evaluations, and the third author supported a discussion to reach an agreement when disagreement was discovered. The comprehensive method made it easier to determine the benefits and drawbacks of the studies included in this review [6].

Quality assessment

Using appropriate appraisal tools from CONSORT (for a randomised trial), COREQ (for qualitative research), GRAMMS (for a mixed methods study), SPIRIT (for a study protocol), and STROBE (for an observational study), as shown in the appendix, QL and HL independently examined the methodological quality of applicable empirical studies based on the study design. We developed criteria for classifying the quality of studies into four groups—low, low-to-moderate, moderate-to-high, and high-primarily based on comparisons within and across various designs in order to assess the variety of studies' quality. The appendix explains each appraisal tool's detailed criteria and justification. Based on the evaluation results, no studies were ruled out. Through discussion, differences between two reviewers were resolved; A third reviewer (KC) made the final decision if there was no consensus [7].

Discussion

Questioning the relevance of examining sexuality among mental health service users in secure and low-secure settings is a legitimate and highly pertinent response to the material we have presented. Most likely the requirement for confinement inside an ongoing setting shows that a help client has encountered a degree of emergency that is contradictory to shaping or keeping up with personal connections with others? And if it is assumed that sexual expressions are inevitable in these settings, why is sexual safety and risk management not the primary focus? We hope that the variety of data we have looked at makes it abundantly clear that service users see sexuality as both a threat to their mental health and an opportunity for growth. As a result, sexuality has a significant impact on recovery, both during the period of inpatient and low-secure care and in the longer-term expectation of future relationships. The UK's dominant recovery-oriented mental health model must then find a means of addressing and engaging with sexuality and sexual desires [8].

Conclusion

Forensic mental health nursing is a critical and evolving field that plays a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of individuals within the criminal justice system. By combining expertise in mental health care and knowledge of legal frameworks, forensic mental health nurses provide comprehensive and specialized care to promote the well-being, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration of individuals with mental health disorders. Throughout their work, forensic mental health nurses act as advocates, ensuring that the rights and dignity of their patients are respected. They navigate the complex intersection of mental health and the legal system, working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized treatment plans that address not only mental health symptoms but also factors contributing to criminal behavior [9].

To excel in this field, forensic mental health nurses require a broad range of skills, including assessment, crisis management, risk assessment, and the application of evidence-based practices. Ongoing professional development and training are essential to stay informed about advancements in both mental health care and legal practices, enabling forensic mental health nurses to provide the highest quality of care. Ultimately, forensic mental health nursing plays a vital role in bridging the gap between mental health and the criminal justice system. By providing compassionate care, promoting rehabilitation, and ensuring public safety, forensic mental health nurses contribute significantly to the well-being and successful outcomes of individuals with mental health disorders in forensic settings. Their dedication and expertise make a meaningful difference in the lives of these individuals, helping them to heal, recover, and reintegrate into society [10].

Acknowledgement

None

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