With an increasingly patient-centered care model, Psychology takes on a leading role in understanding diseases and, above all, in their treatment and care. This relationship becomes even more evident in the field of Nursing since these professionals are the ones who are continually at the patient’s side.
This dynamic relationship between mental health and medical care underscores the importance of holistic approaches to patient well-being. For this reason, it should not surprise us that many of the nurse practitioner certificate programs focus precisely on the complexities of modern healthcare and the symbiotic relationship between psychological insight and nurse practitioner, promoting a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to healing.
Understanding the psychological dimension of Nursering
Psychology plays a pivotal role in healthcare as it encompasses the study of human behavior, cognition and emotion. As frontline healthcare providers, nurse practitioners encounter patients with diverse psychological needs on a daily basis. Understanding the psychological underpinnings of patient behavior is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment and patient-centered care.
1. Understand the emotional needs of the patient
Physical illnesses almost never come alone: they are accompanied by worry, fear, sadness, anger… With knowledge of Psychology, nurses can better understand how patients feel in order to help them more effectively.
They can recognize their emotional distress or signs of anxiety or depression, for example, to offer them the support and reassurance they need in those difficult times. They could also teach them coping mechanisms to better manage the emotional tsunami that the disease can generate and prevent stress from worsening.
In fact, a meta-analysis conducted at the University of Twente concluded that “Emotional well-being has a small but significant effect on the recovery and survival of patients with a physical illness.”
2. Communicate more clearly
Communication is vital in the healthcare environment. Nurses, in particular, bridge the gap between doctors and patients, helping them better understand “clinical jargon.” Psychological knowledge helps these professionals connect with patients and their families, something particularly important when it is necessary to address sensitive topics or break difficult news.
Additionally, it allows them to practice active listening and encourage open and honest dialogue. By building trust, providing emotional validation, and paying attention to small extraverbal cues, nurses can encourage patients to share crucial information about their health, ultimately leading to more accurate diagnoses and better therapeutic outcomes.
For these reasons, it is not surprising that an analysis carried out at the Arab American University found that the quality of communication improves patient satisfaction, promotes emotional regulation and therapeutic adherence, leading to better health outcomes.
3. Provide more effective and healing support
Understanding patients can significantly improve their results, positively influencing their evolution. Taking into account not only the physical aspects but also the mental and emotional ones allows us to offer more comprehensive and effective care.
Nurses with psychological knowledge can also detect the barriers that hinder therapeutic adherence, so they can work on these aspects with the patient to improve compliance and increase the chances of cure.
As a result of such holistic care that simultaneously focuses on healing the body and mind, rather than treating only isolated symptoms, a more conducive environment is created leading to better recovery rates and optimal health outcomes. In fact, researchers at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences found that holistic care increases patients’ self-awareness, self-confidence, and well-being.
Integration in Nurse practitioner curriculum
Nurse practitioner certificate programs recognize the significance of psychological factors on recovery and patient care. As such, these programs often integrate psychology coursework into their curricula; from foundational courses in human development and behavior to specialized training in psychiatric nursing, students gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles relevant to their practice.
This integration equips nurse practitioners with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, providing holistic care that effectively meets the diverse needs of their patients.
Assessment and diagnosis
Psychological assessment and diagnosis are integral components of nurse practitioner practice, particularly in fields such as psychiatric and mental health nursing. Nurse practitioners undergo training to conduct thorough assessments, including psychosocial history-taking, mental status examinations and diagnostic evaluations.
What’s more, they utilize evidence-based screening tools and assessment instruments to further enhance their diagnostic accuracy and ensure comprehensive care delivery. These skills enable them to identify mental health disorders, formulate differential diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans in collaboration with patients and interdisciplinary teams.
Psychopharmacology and Advanced Practice Nursing
One notable area of intersection between psychology and nurse practitioner education is psychopharmacology. Nurse practitioners are increasingly involved in prescribing psychiatric medications as part of their scope of practice; within this context, understanding the mechanisms of action, side effects and potential interactions of psychotropic drugs is essential for safe and effective prescribing.
Hence, nurse practitioner programs often include coursework in psychopharmacology to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills. Integrating psychopharmacology into their practice allows nurse practitioners to provide holistic care, addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of mental health disorders.
Therapeutic interventions
In addition to assessment and diagnosis, nurse practitioners are trained in various therapeutic interventions rooted in psychological principles. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and psychoeducation are among the evidence-based approaches employed to promote behavioral change, manage symptoms and enhance coping skills in patients.
By integrating psychological interventions into their practice, nurse practitioners empower patients to achieve optimal mental and physical well-being. Furthermore, by tailoring these interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient, nurse practitioners create a supportive environment conducive to healing and personal growth.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the inherent value of integrating psychology into nurse practitioner education, challenges exist in bridging the gap between theory and practice: limited resources, time constraints and varying levels of psychological literacy among students pose obstacles to comprehensive training.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and collaboration within academic and clinical settings. Interdisciplinary partnerships, continuing education initiatives and mentorship programs can enhance the integration of psychological principles into nurse practitioner practice.
The need of an holistic care and patient-centered approach
Recognizing that physical health is intricately linked to mental and emotional well-being, nurse practitioners strive to address the multifaceted needs of their patients. By considering the biopsychosocial aspects of health, nurse practitioners deliver comprehensive care that respects the individuality and autonomy of each patient.
By incorporating psychological principles into their education and practice, nurse practitioners are better equipped to address the complex needs of their patients, enhancing overall treatment outcomes and promoting a sense of empowerment in managing one’s health journey.
References:
Sharkiya, S. H. (2023) Quality communication can improve patient-centred health outcomes among older patients: a rapid review. BMC Health Serv Res; 23: 886.
Kellezi, B. et. Al. (2017) The impact of psychological factors on recovery from injury: a multicentre cohort study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol; 52(7): 855–866.
Zamanzadeh, V. et. Al. (2015) Effective Factors in Providing Holistic Care: A Qualitative Study. Indian J Palliat Care; 21(2): 214–224.
Lamers, S. et. Al. (2012) The impact of emotional well-being on long-term recovery and survival in physical illness: a meta-analysis. J Behav Med; 35(5): 538–547.
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