243 Summary Summary Practice-based research The impetus for the creation of this study stemmed from a case observed in the routine practice of a nurse specializing in the care of individuals with psychosis sensitivity. Maaike, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, encountered Joshua, a 22-yearold man admitted to her department for psychosis. She noticed that Joshua was neglecting his dental hygiene. After discussing this with a colleague and being surprised by the response that dental care was not the responsibility of mental health nurses (MHNs), Maaike brought up the issue during a team meeting. During this meeting, it was discovered that many MHNs shared this view, and Maaike emphasized the need to consider the role of MHNs in dental care. This case was not isolated and ultimately formed the basis for this dissertation. Oral health within psychosis care Individuals with psychotic disorders face significant challenges across various life domains. Psychosis can be described as a state in which a person’s perception of the world is influenced by intense emotions (such as fear or spiritual emotions), creating an overwhelming experience that is difficult for others to understand or follow. Psychosis can be described as a state in which a person’s perception of the world is colored by the hallucinations and delusions people experience. This can make the experience so overwhelming that it is difficult for others to understand or follow. Psychoses can come in many forms, with some being more or less severe than others. Psychotic disorders typically manifest in adolescence and early adulthood, with a notably higher risk in young men. Psychotic symptoms often lead individuals to neglect caring for themselves, also impacting their oral health, and this can have detrimental long-term effects. This dissertation underscores the need for appropriate guidance and support by MHNs in the area of dental care during this early life stage for individuals experiencing their first psychotic episode. The MHN, who is close to the patient in daily care, could also play a role in preventing issues in this area. However, oral health is not a standard part of the comprehensive healthy lifestyle guidance provided by MHNs. This deficit in self-care is not currently being addressed by MHNs, primarily because it is not considered part of their remit. Additionally, this form of self-care is seldom discussed in educational
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