Sample Nursing Article Review

Using Portfolio Method to Assist Patients Suffering from Major Depression

This article summary focuses on an article by Nunstedt, Nilsson, and Skärsäter (2014) on supporting depression patients through the portfolio method. The researchers also evaluated whether the portfolio method assists the patients to gain a better understanding of their own depression.  Major depression is becoming a serious issue in the society. Research has demonstrated that understanding one’s own depression is very beneficial to one’s recovery (Nunstedt et al., 2014).  The knowledge gained helps the patient to seek professional help, reduce the symptoms progress, and enhance its manageability. A portfolio serves as a tool to collect and measure knowledge through reflective questions (Nunstedt, et al., 2014).

The study employed a qualitative design that entailed a portfolio for each patient that had a binder. The binder had a register with flaps and open-ended questions. The study involved interviewing participants from an outpatient psychiatric clinic in western Sweden. The patients filled the questions to develop the content for the portfolios. The study was conducted during the period of April 2008 to August 2009. The data collected was audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The researcher employed latent content analysis to analyze the interviews. The analytical method was important for the small sample as it allowed for in-depth analysis of the participant’s statements (Nunstedt et al., 2014).

Results from this study revealed that the patients use the portfolio to process and analyze their situation. It is an effective management method which the patients use to remember situations and remind themselves of upcoming activities (Nunstedt et al., 2014). The results also revealed the structure of the portfolio has an effect on its usability. The researchers concluded that a well-structured portfolio can improve the participation and learning of the patients which assists in their understanding of depression. The clinical outcome of this study is that the portfolio method can be used as a tool in psychiatric nursing to improve patients’ self-efficacy and understanding.

References

Nunstedt, H., Nilsson, K., & Skärsäter, I. (2014). The portfolio method as management support for patients with major depression. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 23(11-12), 1639-1647.