Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 2920 - Meleis' Transitions Theory: an added value for the everyday clinical practice |
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| Contribution code | PS03-52 (P) |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Objectives: To discuss the added value of the introduction of Meleis’ Transitions Theory in child psychiatry Methods: The Meleis’ Nursing Transitions Theory has recently been tested in a multidisciplinary ACT team for adolescents suffering from psychiatric disorders and who were difficult to engage with care or who dropped out from traditional outpatient psychiatric services. Discussion of its added value is illustrated by a clinical case. Results: An exploratory study has shown that a time-limited ACT focusing on hard-to-engage adolescents suffering from psychiatric disorders was effective to improve their mental health and functioning, but further investigations were needed to identify the key effective components of the intervention. The Meleis’ Transitions Theory does not only offer the professionals a structured framework allowing a better assessment of “at risk” situations, because of problematic transitions, but it also helps them identifying facilitators as well as inhibitors of the transition conditions related to each specific case. Moreover, one actual challenge for professionals is to avoid discontinuity of care or drop out of hard-to-engage patients. Previous research on adults suffering from severe psychiatric disorders has shown that professionals predominantly focused on continuity of care, whereas patients’ and their relatives’ were more concerned by the continuity of their history of life. As it covers not only organizational transitions, but also developmental, situational and health and illness transitions, the Meleis’ Transitions Theory provides a more global comprehension of complex situations. It promotes the development of care focused on the most significant transitions for the patients and their families. Conclusion: Adolescents experience multiple transitions related to their identity and well being. The Meleis’ Transitions Theory proves to be a useful tool for stakeholders in their every day practice. It provides a structured framework for complex situations. It is therefore particularly interesting in child psychiatry. |