Research Briefs

Volume 2, Issue 5

June 2025

Closing the Gap: Arabs living in the United States may face stressors and difficulties that may affect their mental health. However, research has shown that they are less likely to seek professional mental health treatment. One way to bridge the gap is to understand and identify the barriers to seeking help. 

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes:  The purpose of this systematic review was to pinpoint factors that impact Arab attitudes toward mental health care and their willingness to seek it. The results of the systematic review were lifted onto the socio-ecological model to show the layered factors associated with attitudes towards mental health care and intentions to seek mental health care. Psychiatric-mental health nurses may use these factors to develop strategies to increase and promote Arab utilization of mental health services. An increase in mental health care utilization may help alleviate the mental health challenges faced by Arab communities. 

Optimizing Resources:  Pinpointing factors that impact Arab attitudes toward mental health care can help inform new approaches to engage Arab communities in mental health care. Addressing these factors could increase the likelihood that Arabs will seek mental health care which may improve health outcomes.   

Closing the Gap: The implementation of an afternoon snack was shown to decrease staff reliance on seclusion and restraints in a psychiatric inpatient setting. By providing patients with structured and supportive intervention, the hospital was able to manage challenging behaviors more effectively while improving safety for both patients and staff. 

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes: This intervention not only decreased seclusion and restraint use but also improved patient satisfaction. The snack program offered a small but meaningful way to engage patients, help them manage hunger-related stress, and established a calmer environment that promoted better overall health outcomes for patients. 

Optimizing Resources: The snack program is a cost-effective intervention that requires minimal resources but delivers many benefits. By reducing the need for seclusion and restraints, the hospital was able to improve both patient care and staff safety, optimizing the use of resources while enhancing the therapeutic environment. 

Volume 1, Issue 2

December 2024

Closing the Gap: No known study has examined cardio drumming's effect on stress and self-esteem within a psychiatric setting. Cardio drumming serves as an intervention that can address mental health challenges, such as high stress and low self-esteem. By providing a therapeutic exercise that combines music and physical activity, cardio drumming offers a holistic approach to improving mental and physical health outcomes for patients across various diagnoses. 

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes: Cardio drumming has been shown to reduce stress and increase self-esteem among psychiatric patients, fostering positive recovery outcomes. This form of therapy enhances self-regulation, social well-being, and empathy, contributing to improved emotional and psychological resilience during inpatient care. 

Optimizing Resources: Cardio drumming is a cost-effective, easily implemented therapy that can be integrated into existing psychiatric hospital programs. Led by recreation therapists, it requires minimal equipment (drums and space) and can be scaled to accommodate various patient populations, offering a versatile solution for improving patient well-being without significant resource investment. 

Volume 1, Issue 1

October 2024 

Closing the Gap: This research brief emphasizes the connection between mental health and overall wellbeing, highlighting the significance of addressing social determinants surrounding mental health disorders. 

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes: Integrating the I.D.E.A.S framework- Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Stigma- into psychiatric mental health practice works towards providing a comprehensive, holistic healthcare approach to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities. This tailored patient care approach fosters stronger patient-provider relationships, enhances patient engagement, and improves adherence to treatment plans. 

Optimizing Resources: Advocating for the I.D.E.A.S framework utilization in practice aids in addressing social determinants of mental health in a focused and efficient manner. By ensuring equitable access and fostering a diverse workforce, it maximizes the impact of mental health interventions and promotes better care for underserved populations.