Nurses Highlight Neuroscience and Mental Health Research

The tenth annual McLean Research Day took place on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. The event featured approximately 125 posters of new research from McLean investigators across the hospital, representing basic science, translational, clinical, neuroimaging, health services, and implementation science research pertaining to neuroscience and mental health. Some of the presentations featured contributions from McLean Hospital nurses.

The goal of McLean Research Day is to enhance communication and encourage potential collaborations within the McLean clinical and research communities. McLean Research Day provides an opportunity for McLean researchers to network and learn about scientific investigation throughout the hospital.

Here is a look at presentations featuring members of McLean’s Nursing Department.

Embedding Medical Alert Technology Into Primary Care Practice to Combat Self-Injury Mortality

A presentation of a proposed medical alert system for primary care clinicians to prescribe for patients at risk for life-threatening emergencies due to psychiatric and substance use disorders.

Sophie S. Forte, MS, ANP-BC, WHNP-BC, a certified nurse practitioner in McLean’s Internal Medicine Department, presented along with Arthur J. Siegel, MD, Lucy Ogbu-Nwobodo, MD, Blaise Aguirre, MD, and Hilary S. Connery, MD, PhD.

Knowledge in Recovery in Registered Nurses and Mental Health Specialists: Impact of ROP Toolkit

Findings of a study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of recovery-oriented practice (ROP) training was presented. The study looked at how ROP training can foster staff self-awareness and views on recovery and help identify areas for improvement.

McLean’s Martyna Rusinowicz, BSN, RN, a staff nurse in the Clinical Evaluation Center, and Linda M. Flaherty RN/PCNS, senior vice president, Patient Care Services, presented along with psychologist Nathaniel Van Kirk, PhD.

Co-Occurring Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adults With Substance Use Disorders

This presentation details findings from a study examining the prevalence and clinical correlates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in adults being treated for substance use disorders.

Kathleen McCoy, patient resource coordinator at McLean’s Alcohol, Drug, and Addiction Inpatient Program, presented with Margaret Griffin, PhD, Nadine R. Taghian, Roger D. Weiss, MD, and R. Kathryn McHugh, PhD.

ENCODE: Enhancing Cognitive Domains After ECT (Group Programming)

A look at peer support groups and group programming created to address the stigma and isolation often experienced by patients seeking ECT treatment. The presenters described the program development and explored ways to expand this programming to address the needs of this patient population.

Teresa Henderson, BSN, RN, nurse manager in McLean’s ECT Service, and Paula Bolton, MS, CNP, ANP-BC, program director of McLean’s Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics Program, presented with Lynn Kadden, RN.

Complexities and Care: Orienting to a Geropsychiatric Unit

This presentation examined the complex process of orienting nursing resource team staff to geropsychiatric care programs. Presenters discussed the orientation curriculum and explained how including principles of trauma-informed care and cultural sensitivity in older adult mental health program orientations can improve communications and quality.

Anne Huntington, MSN, RN-BC, nurse director of McLean’s Cognitive Neuropsychiatry Program, and Kelly Carlson, PhD, PMHNP-BC, a nursing professional development specialist, presented with Ruthanne Lamborghini, BS, PT, DPT, GCS.