Does coercion matter? Supporting young next-of-kin in mental health care.

Background: Coercion can cause harm to both the patient and the patient's family. Few studies have examined how the coercive treatment of a close relative might affect young next-of-kin.

Research Questions: We aimed to investigate the views and experiences of health professionals being responsible for supporting young next-of-kin to patients in mental health care (children-responsible staff) in relation to the needs of these young next-of-kin in coercive situations and to identify ethical challenges.

The silent world of young next of kin in mental healthcare.

Background:: Young next of kin to patients with mental health problems are faced with many challenges. It is important to focus on the special needs of children and adolescents as next of kin to ensure their welfare and prevent harm.

Research Questions:: We aimed to investigate young next of kin's need for information and involvement, to examine the ways they cope with situations involving coercion related to the treatment of their relative, and to identify ethical challenges.

Care for nurses only? Medicine and the perceiving eye.

In this paper I introduce a theoretical framework on care developed by the Norwegian nurse and philosopher Kari Martinsen, and I argue that this approach has relevance not only within nursing, but also within clinical medicine. I try to substantiate this claim by analysing some of the key concepts in this approach, and I illustrate the potential clinical relevance of this approach by applying it in relation to two care scenarios. Finally, I discuss some of the concerns that have been raised in relation to the aim of highlighting care in medicine.