et al. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 2004, 11, 221–228 An analysis of Roy’s Adaptation Model of Nursing as used within acute psychiatric nursing D. PATTON rpn rnt bns(hons) pgdiped msc Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Dublin, Ballsbridge Campus, Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland Correspondence: D. Patton School of Nursing and Midwifery University College Dublin Ballsbridge Campus Ballsbridge Dublin Ireland E-mail: [email protected] PATTON D. (2004) Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 11, 221–228 An analysis of Roy’s Adaptation Model of Nursing as used within acute psychiatric nursing This article examines the use of Roy’s Adaptation Model of Nursing within acute psychiatric nursing. The analytical framework used to analyse the model was that of McKenna’s (1997) framework. The author believed this framework would allow for analysis of an abstract nature to occur. After examining the model under different headings it was concluded that there exists a research gap in relation to the use of Roy’s model within acute psychiatric nursing. It is recognized that Roy’s model is well developed and therefore has the potential to positively effect nurse practice and patient outcomes within acute psychiatric nursing. However, it is also acknowledged that a greater level of research-based evidence is required in order to fully justify the use of the model within acute psychiatric nursing. Keywords: McKenna’s analytical framework, nursing models, Roy’s model Accepted for publication: 10 September 2003 Introduction Within nursing the development and utilization of nursing models is an area of constant growth. Within psychiatric nursing the development and use of nursing models is not so evident (Barker 2001). The reason for this may lie in the fact that psychiatric nursing can go without the use of nursing models, as such models do not address what nurses do within clinical realities (Gournay 1995). It is supposed that the utilization of nursing models in clinical practice gives design to the nursing process; itself a systematic cycle designed to give a semblance of structure to the deliverance of nursing care (Walsh 1991). It has also been proposed that nurses will become more autonomous and subsequently more accountable in what they do if they use a nursing model in practice (Smith 1996). In order for a nursing model to be rendered useful within a practice area it must first be examined and defined in such a way that makes it clear that its use will benefit nursing practice and patient outcomes. © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd For the purpose of this article the author will analyse Roy’s Adaptation Model/Theory of Nursing (Roy & Andrews 1999), using McKenna’s (McKenna 1997) analytical framework as a conceptual guide. The author believes that this particular analytical guide is somewhat more all encompassing than other analytical theories, such as those by Chinn & Kramer (1995), Fawcett (1995) and Metzger McQuiston & Webb (1995). The author also believes that McKenna’s guide allows analysis of an abstract kind to occur. In analysing Roy’s model the author will pay attention to previous work Roy has completed on her model, which was first published in 1970 (Roy 1997), but which was further refined through the 1970s and 1980s (Roy 1997). The most recent expansion of the model occurred in 1999 (Roy & Andrews 1999). The main focus of this article will be on analysing the use of Roy’s model within acute psychiatric nursing. In performing this, the author will use citations from relevant literature, make reference to his own experiences of using the model within an acute psychiatric environment and use the example of a short case study. 221 D. Patton et al. How Roy’s theory was developed Whilst studying for her master’s degree at the University of California (1964–66), Sr. Callista Roy was challenged in a seminar by the nurse theorist Dorothy Johnson, to develop a conceptual model of nursing. In her clinical practice as a paediatric nurse Roy had become impressed by the ability of children to adapt with illness. This impression gave Roy the idea that adaptation may be a useful conceptual foundation upon which to build a nursing theory. Roy also identified the positive role that nursing had to play in the promotion and enhancement of adaptation. At a theoretical level, the work of Harry Helson, a non-nursing theorist, influenced Roy greatly with regards to the merits of adaptation (Roy 1984). Helson had formulated a theory of adaptation, which stated that people adapt positively or negatively to incoming stimuli. Helson first identified the focal, contextual and residual stimuli that must be addressed in assessing a patient using Roy’s model. Roy’s earlier work focused on the importance of nursing science in promoting positive patient outcomes (Roy & Andrews 1991). However, her most recent definition of nursing has moved slightly away from this notion of nursing science being so integral to providing good nursing care (Roy & Andrews 1999). Two main types of theory development exist. These are inductive and deductive theory development (Metzger McQuiston & Webb 1995). It is apparent that Roy’s theory was developed both inductively and deductively. From an inductive perspective Roy’s personal clinical observations influenced her beliefs on what should underpin a nursing model. Student observations of 500 patients also helped Roy to conclude that human behaviour falls within one or more areas of human functioning (Roy 1980). Within her theory these functional areas are called the four adaptive modes. More specifically these modes are labelled the physiological, role function, interdependence and self-concept/ group identity modes. The physiological mode focuses on the physical needs of the patient whilst the other three modes focus on the psychosocial needs of the patient. The goal of the nurse is to help the patient regain or maintain adaptation within one or more of these modes. When assessing a patient who is experiencing an acute form of a mental illness, it may not always be possible to classify behaviour into one of the four modes. Indeed, it may be questioned if it is good practice to put areas of patient functioning into certain categories. This may reinforce the scheme of patient labelling. Roy’s initial observations were made mainly within paediatric nursing care environments. How children and those adults with an acute mental health problem adapt or cope with illness may differ significantly. Subsequent nursing 222 interventions may also differ. At quite a primitive level, the above issues may lead to the usefulness of Roy’s model within an acute psychiatric setting being called into question. However, the above point helps to illustrate how adaptable the model is. Such adaptability may prove of value in the provision of care to persons with an acute form of a mental illness. As already stated Roy deduced heavily from the workings of Harry Helson. Helson’s adaptation theory is very much the parent theory to Roy’s nursing theory. A major concern exists in relation to Helson’s theory on adaptation in that it was limited to an investigation of the responses of the retina of the eye to environmental stimuli (Helson, cited by Fawcett 1987, p. 266). In response to this Roy states that Helson’s theory is applied widely within health care (Roy 1997). At a broader level the use of Helson’s theory may be seen as another example of nursing theorists borrowing ideas from theorists outside the nursing profession. Perhaps nursing should be attempting to formulate models, which are developed solely within the realms of nursing. The use of an approach such as reflective practice may help nurses define what they do. Subsequently, development of nursing theory, which is ‘nursing’ specific, may develop. Reflective practice may be defined as that reflection which may occur upon or during practice, which leads to the development of intuitive or tacit knowledge. It has been stated that this knowledge type may be more apt within the world of professional (Schon 1983) or nursing (Benner 1984) practice. Because of the intangibility of psychiatric nursing (Chapman 1999), knowledge and subsequent practice development may prove difficult. Allowing for the development of tacit-based knowledge may therefore serve the advancement of psychiatric nursing in a more meaningful way. In conclusion Roy paints a philosophical picture of a nurse assisting a patient to adapt to a current life difficulty whilst maintaining adaptive health and living patterns. The act of nursing is defined as practical and scientific in nature (Roy & Andrews 1999). Therefore, nursing help should be given in a way that incorporates good practice underpinned by a sound scientific base. How the theory is internally structured Many concepts underpin Roy’s model. She outlines concepts relating to the general theory of the person as an integrated whole and to the four adaptive modes and their subcomponents. Nine scientific and five philosophical assumptions are contained within the model. The philosophical assumptions are stated in an abstract way. At a practice level the model may appear quite complex. Initially the author found the model difficult to understand. © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 11, 221–228 Roy’s Adaptation Model of Nursing Only after extensive reading upon the model did he come to a greater understanding of its content and how it may be applied to psychiatric nursing practice. Some nurses may be resistive towards using the model if they perceive it as complex. Also, by not being knowledgeable about the model nurses may become passive in its deliverance. Patients may also find the model difficult to understand. This may inhibit their willingness to partake within formulating their care plan and subsequent nursing interventions. The patient’s role within the nursing process may then be negatively affected (Rodwell 1996, Cahill 1998). However, it could be questioned if it is always prudent for nurses to try to orientate patients to the complexities of this model whilst they are experiencing an acute form of mental illness. Doing so may lead to a deterioration in the patient’s mental state. A further issue is that of nurses maintaining control over patients by using this model in a complex way. It has been identified in a phenomenologically based study that patients perceive nurses as having power through knowledge (Nordgren & Fridlund 2001). This may occur if nurses do not engage with patients in informing them about the model. Some psychiatric nurses may find it easier to practise if they maintain some control over those for whom they are caring. Nurses who do talk to patients about the model may use diagrammatic representations to help those patients understand how the model works. On a more positive note, by being so well defined, the strict application of the model to any practice area may lead to the deliverance of a high standard of systematically constructed nursing care. It could be argued that structured care could be provided without using Roy’s model, for example, by nurses implementing the nursing process without guidance from any nursing model. The medicalized nature of the nursing process does not imply that nurses either involve patients in their care or focus on adaptive health patterns. However, Roy’s model makes it clear that patients are involved in the assessment of their care needs and in the planning of appropriate nursing interventions. Roy’s model is also quite unique in that it explicitly states that the nurse should focus on positive patient health patterns as well as health patterns, which are maladaptive in nature. Within the Republic of Ireland (ROI), psychiatric patient care is structured by multidisciplinary teams (MDT), which are teams made up of various heath care professionals employed by individual service areas. Using a nursing model may lead to fragmentation in patient care in that the model is nursing specific. An assessment tool and problem intervention strategy open to use by all within the MDT may lead to more all encompassing patient care. In defence of Roy’s model, the author is of the opinion that Roy’s model will allows nurses to present patient progression in a structured way to colleagues within the MDT. At a more ideal level, using Roy’s model may allow nurses to talk about patients in a more positive light with MDT colleagues. A nursing model must address four key concepts, which, combined, are known as the metaparadigm. As can be seen in Appendix 1, these four concepts are those of health, the person, the nurse and the environment (McKenna 1994). All four concepts are addressed in Roy’s theory. Roy views the person in a holistic way. A person’s functioning may be enhanced or mitigated against by internal or environmental stressors. These stressors when presenting may have three types of stimuli. Focal stimuli represent an immediate and apparent cause of the problem; contextual stimuli are other causative factors whilst residual stimuli relate to the patient’s past experiences with the illness and how these experiences may impact upon the patient’s current plight. Regulator and cognator activities are manifested through a patient’s illness. Regulator activities are physiological in nature whilst cognator activities may range from a physical attribute to a psychological or social attribute. In relation to the three stimuli, it may only be possible to identify the focal stimulus in some cases (Roy 1984). This is applicable to acute psychiatry for three reasons. First, within the acute psychiatric environment it may not always be possible to carry out an in-depth initial assessment with patients. For example, a patient experiencing an episode of psychosis may find it difficult to communicate what has caused their current problem. Second, some patients’ stay within an acute setting may be quite short. For example once an acute episode has subsided, a patient may be transferred to a step-down acute unit. Not being an inpatient within an acute unit for a lengthy period of time may not afford a nurse time to carry out a comprehensive assessment of a patient. Third, some patients within acute settings may not want to be in hospital, therefore, they may not take part in, or sabotage any nursing assessment. The goal of nursing within the model is to promote, and if possible, maintain patient adaptation within a current difficulty. This goal may be achieved by the nurse and patient partaking in a six-stage nursing process. These six stages are: the assessment of patient behaviour, assessment of stimuli, nursing diagnosis, goal setting, intervening and evaluating. Assessing a patient may prove time consuming, time that may not always be available within an acute setting. However, using Roy’s assessment process will lead to a detailed holistic overview of the patient’s current situation. However, nurses must be aware that acutely ill patients may not always be able to partake within a thorough assessment immediately after their admission. In such cases it is the role of the nurse to assess and plan interventions, which he/she thinks will best meet identified patient needs. Such care planning may be called maintenance care © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 11, 221–228 223 D. Patton et al. planning. When the patient becomes more receptive to partaking in their care, they should be immediately involved in their care. This type of care planning is called contractual care planning. As regards nursing interventions, Roy & Andrews (1999) stipulate that stimuli may be manipulated so that the patient will be able to adapt to their current difficulty. This consideration could be called into question on ethical grounds. The term ‘manipulation’ may lead some nurses to believe that they ultimately decide what care a patient should receive. This would be in keeping with former paternalistic trends within psychiatric nursing. Perhaps more appropriate terminology would be that of being a companion to the patient during his/her illness. With regards to the concept of health, a healthy person is one who can adapt to current difficulties. In her earlier model Roy does not give a definite definition of what health entails (Fawcett 1987). This lack of a clear definition of health may be viewed as a positive attribute of the model. By no definition being given nurses may conclude with patients what health means to them. Although not stated explicitly, Roy may be implying the uniqueness of how people and their perceptions of health interact. In the most recent edition of her model Roy states that illness and health can co-exist (Roy & Andrews 1999). In practice this recognition of how health and illness can co-exist occurs when adaptive and maladaptive health patterns are identified at assessment. This has a positive implication for psychiatric nursing in that a proportion of people function in life with an enduring mental health difficulty. For example, those people living in sheltered community dwellings. In relation to acute psychiatric care, Roy’s model will allow nurses to engage with patients in a way that allows patients to have optimum input into their care and that allows them to define what ‘being healthy’ means to them. By engaging with the patient within a health-oriented context as opposed to an illness one, the nurse may improve the chances of recovery for the patient. Roy’s model implies that nurses engage in a nursing process that does not correlate closely with the medical approach to mental illness. Such a non-medical, non-problem-based approach to patient care may serve to improve patient outcomes. By being ‘health’-oriented, Roy’s model may militate against the development of ‘sick role’ behaviour patterns, and may assist the wider community to recognize that those with mental health problems can exist as functional persons. In conclusion, Roy’s model possesses many underlying concepts. This may portray the model as complex and therefore difficult to use in practice. In defence of the model, the concepts, which underpin the model, are well defined, therefore increasing the validity of the model. This enhanced level of validity makes Roy’s model ideal for use 224 in practice. Instead of being critical of the model perhaps nursing should be looking towards such well-defined theories such as Roy’s in guiding nurse practice. How the theory is used How the model is used and guides nursing practice, the quality of care given and the nursing process will be addressed in this section. Some general issues relating to the model’s use within acute psychiatric care have been presented. These issues, along with some other practice issues, will now be further demonstrated in a short case presentation. Goals and interventions negotiated will be outlined with reference to concepts deemed important within Roy’s model. David Kelly was a 22 years old male admitted on an involuntary basis with symptoms of depression. After being assessed by the medical registrar David was accompanied to the acute unit by his parents and the author. Prior to fulfilling a nursing assessment using Roy’s model the author read what the medical registrar had written in David’s medical notes and recorded some collateral information from David’s family. The author completed this to give him a basis to work on whilst assessing David. The Interdependence Mode of Roy’s model identifies the importance of significant others and support systems, recognizing the significant other may be enacted through collecting collateral information from them. The author initially assessed David for 1 h. During this time David was more talkative than the author had envisaged. An array of information relating to the four modes was collected. Some of this information had not been collected as collateral information. This point highlights the importance of the four modes in allowing the nurse to perform a thorough initial assessment. This array of information helped build a holistic picture of David’s predicament, as opposed to a purely medical picture. The fulfilment of a first and second level assessment and the formulation of interventions and goals occurred over the following 2 days. Roy’s model gives scope to the initial patient assessment to be carried out over an extended period of time. Using Roy’s model allows for the nurse to spend time with the patient in trying to seek solutions to the patients presenting life and health difficulties. Appendix 2 provides a brief summary of some of the problems and interventions that the author and David concluded upon. The author found that David related in an increasingly open fashion, the longer the author spent in his company. Much of this time was spent by the author helping David to recognize his adaptive and maladaptive health patterns and subsequent interventions. By being jointly © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 11, 221–228 Roy’s Adaptation Model of Nursing formulated, the author found David to be more receptive to receiving help. Also, the identification of positive health patterns helped David develop an overall more positive schema, which the author believes helped him in gaining strength to overcome the problems, which had led to his depression. At times the author and David did not agree with the evaluation of certain interventions. However, the fact that David could disagree with the author within a mutual relationship must be appreciated. The author believes that using Roy’s model led to this. On discharge, David responded positively to a patient satisfaction questionnaire. The author believes that using Roy’s model helped him provide care for David in a way, which allowed David to feel satisfied with the help he had received. The only true way to measure the effectiveness of any model is to perform a concurrent or retrospective audit upon its usefulness. No research exists detailing how useful Roy’s model is within acute psychiatric care, although it has been evaluated within a forensic care setting (Miller 1991). The research gap that is evident in relation to the model should be addressed both qualitatively and quantitatively in order for the more intangible aspects of using the model to be explored effectively. Patients should also be involved in evaluating the model, although this may prove problematic within acute psychiatry, as some patients may not want to be involved in an evaluation process. This may result from the fact that they do not want to be in hospital or result from the nature of their illness. In order to overcome this, patients should be asked to evaluate their care on discharge. The question of how generalizable the theory is may be answered by an exploration of its possible use within nurse practice, education and research. It is evident that Roy’s model is used within psychiatric nurse practice, and more specifically within acute psychiatric nursing practice. However, there is a severe shortage of research-based literature into the use of the model within psychiatric nursing. The theory has been studied within the context of general, paediatric and community nursing. Findings within these environments have been mixed. At a broader level, in order for models to be researchable they must be able to generate testable hypotheses. Roy’s model has the ability to do this because of the well-defined theoretical structure of the model. Evidence-based practice is very much to the fore within contemporary nursing (Cranston 2002). Employing evidence-based nursing interventions usually means the use of research findings into what is best practice within a particular area (McClarey & Duff 1997). Such research findings may come from quantitative or qualitative studies, both of which aim to contribute to nursing knowledge (Begley 1996). As alluded to earlier Roy supports the development of nursing science and the use of science in practice. However, in the more recent editions of her model, Roy has placed a greater emphasis on the correlation between nursing science and nursing practice. Adopting the philosophy that nursing science and practice are closely related may help bridge the nursing theory–practice gap. According to Roy (1979), her model defines for student nurses the distinct purpose of nursing. She also states that her model will allow students to develop new practicebased theories (Roy 1979). Because of the complexity of the model this may not be possible for students in the earlier part of their training. The author would suggest the teaching of the model in a spiralled way. This way, students may be better able to correlate their practice experiences with the theoretical content of the model and therefore help them bridge the theory–practice gap. It appears that the model has the potential to be generalized within the areas of nurse practice, education and research. Roy’s adaptation theory in itself has generated a general theory of the person as a holistic system and theories relating to the four adaptive modes. The model has the potential to generate specific practice theories pertaining to one or all of the four modes. These defined practice theories may lead to the enhancement of psychiatric nursing care. For example, more specific theories into how a high level of psychosocial care may be delivered to patients. Such theories may have value for psychiatric care as virtually all psychiatric disorders have psychological and social elements. This aspect of the model makes it somewhat implicit that the theory has the potential to benefit psychiatric nursing. Other ideas that underpin the model and which have relevance for psychiatric nursing are those of a person being a holistic entity, possessing a unique adaptation zone and that patients should be involved in the formulation of their care plans. When compared to other models Within the context of acute psychiatric nursing in the ROI the author is familiar with three other models/theories. First, Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory focuses upon the nurse helping the patient become more independent in meeting their health needs (Orem 1995). Although not made explicit in Roy’s model, it is implied that the nurse strives to help the patient become more self-sufficient in their care. Roper, Logan and Tierney developed their model around how nurses assist patients achieve their activities of daily living (Roper et al. 2000). In relation to psychiatric nursing, the main criticism of this model is that it is slightly more medical in nature than Roy’s model. The final model is Barker’s Tidal Model (Barker © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 11, 221–228 225 D. Patton et al. 2001). This model developed from a series of studies which examined the need for psychiatric nursing care and how power exists in nurse–patient relationships (Barker et al. 1999, Barker et al. 2000). The model supports the idea that mental illness is caused by problems in living. The Tidal Model emphasizes the importance of the nurse interacting with the patient in trying to gain a lived understanding of what the patient is experiencing. By doing this the nurse will come to understand the patient as something more than someone with a mental illness. The nurse in using the Tidal Model will not attempt to dictate to a patient how best to alter their life pattern. Rather, the nurse uses interaction with the patient as a guide in directing how nursing help should progress. How the model may be used in practice is demonstrated metaphorically. However, it is clearly understandable and applicable to acute psychiatric nursing. Why the model is presented metaphorically could be questioned, on the grounds that it lacks a definable structure and may therefore be difficult to understand for both nurses and patients. Roy’s model, although complex, is clearly definable. Unlike Roy’s model, the Tidal Model was formulated with clear reference to psychiatric nursing and initially with particular reference to acute psychiatric nursing. Available evaluations of the Tidal Model in practice would seem to indicate that its use is very much warranted within the wider field of psychiatric nursing care (Fletcher & Stevenson 2001, Stevenson et al. 2002). Such evidence does not exist to support the use of Roy’s model within psychiatric nursing. Where the Tidal Model and Roy’s Adaptation Model compare is within their underlying philosophies. Both models imply the importance of patient uniqueness and how the nurse can help patients recover from their current difficulty. Conclusions Roy’s model is underpinned by many theoretical concepts and assumptions. There is no doubt that the model holds the potential to positively effect patient care and nursing practice in acute psychiatric nursing. Some of the positive attributes that the model possesses are those of the patient being a holistic being and the importance of the patient partaking with the nurse in formulating their care. The model also identifies health promotion as important within the caring relationship. On a slightly more negative note, the model presents as complex and may prove time consuming to use in practice. 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Appendix 1 The metaparadigm Nursing Person Holistic, adaptive systems cognator internal processes adaptation maintained by regular and A health care profession scientific and practical in nature Emphasizes health promotion for persons and the wider community Biological, psychological, social and spiritual in nature Through Focus of nursing Health Nursing process A reflection of adaptation a unique state to each person assessment of patient behaviour assessment of stimuli nursing diagnosis goal setting intervening evaluating Within adaptation, health and ill-health can co-exist Environment Ill-health caused by Focal stimuli Contextual stimuli Residual stimuli Regulator and cognator symptoms Conditions, circumstances and influences affecting person and group development manifested in 4 modes Physiological Mode Interdependence Mode Self-Concept Mode Role Function Mode Person must adapt to these inputs Appendix 2 Problems identified and interventions planned within the four adaptive modes Self-Concept Mode Problem: David had a negative perception of his existence and wanted to perceive himself more positively. Intervention: It was agreed that I would spend dedicated daily time talking to David about how his day was progressing and how he felt about himself. We agreed that the focus of our interaction during this dedicated time would be on David being positive about himself and his existence. Outcome: Over time David began to talk more positively about himself and the life he was living/going to live. © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 11, 221–228 227 D. Patton et al. Problem: David was finding it difficult to access spiritual guidance. Intervention: I arranged for the hospital chaplain to come and visit David. As well as this I agreed to accompany David to the hospital oratory when he wanted some ‘time out’ to think. Outcome: The hospital chaplain visited David on a regular basis whilst he was in hospital. This seemed to have a positive effect on David. Visiting the hospital oratory also seemed to affect David in a positive way. Role Function Mode Problem: David was worried that he may loose his job. Intervention: I helped arrange getting a ‘sickness certificate’ which was then forwarded to his employer. Outcome: David did not loose his job. Problem: David was worried about how his family may perceive him whilst in his current state. Intervention: I informed David’s family of the importance of providing positive reinforcement to David when they visited him. I also spent time with David after family visits talking about what the visit represented for him. Outcome: David’s family were very supportive of him whilst he was hospitalized. Just after his admission David did not talk at length with any family member when they visited. This altered over time. Interdependence Mode Problem: David was concerned that he may be left alone whilst in hospital. Intervention: I asked David’s family to ensure that one or more of them attended each evening at visiting time. I also asked them if it would be possible for some of David’s friends to visit him. Outcome: One or more of David’s family visited each evening. A number of David’s friends also visited regularly. Physiological Mode Problem: David had a poor appetite. Intervention: I explained to David the importance of eating an adequate amount of solid food and of remaining hydrated. David choose what food he wanted to eat and when. A record was kept of what David ate and drank. Outcome: David’s appetite improved as his admission progressed. David did eat and drink adequately during the first couple of days of his admission. Problem: David thought he was going mad in the sense that something was wrong with his brain. Intervention: I talked to David about his illness and assured him that his brain was not distorted. Outcome: David’s thought processes in relation to how he perceived that anatomy of his brain altered as his admission progressed. Problem: David was slightly constipated in the days immediately after his admission. Intervention: I informed David of the importance of remaining hydrated. I also encouraged David to walk as much as he could around the unit and within the enclosed garden. Outcome: David’s slight constipation did not become anything more than a passing problem in the initial period after his admission. 228 © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 11, 221–228