Background Depression is one of the major causes for sick leave and loss of productivity at work. Many studies have investigated return to work (RTW) interventions for people with common mental disorders. However, a paucity of studies has targeted depressive symptoms in the workplace, as well as work productivity. Objectives This study presents preliminary results on a novel group intervention based on cognitive behavioral principles in order to optimize sustainable RTW, by reducing clinical symptoms (anxiety and depression) and improving work productivity. Method This pilot study followed a quasi-experimental design, with participants randomly receiving the group intervention (N = 19) or only receiving usual services (N = 11, control group). The group intervention called Healthy Minds for Sustainable RTW consists of eight sessions based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles and techniques. Outcome measures on depressive and anxiety symptoms and work productivity were administered at baseline (i.e. the start of return-to-work or gradual RTW), as well 2 months later (post-intervention), and at 6-month follow-up. Results The results did not show a time × group interaction for symptoms of depression or anxiety (p = 0.07). Those who received the group intervention however did see a within-group reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms over time, clinically significant for the group intervention only. A significant time × group interaction for work productivity was found, with those in the intervention group improving over time compared to the control condition. Conclusion Although replication is needed, these results suggest that a brief group cognitive-behavioral intervention specifically tailored to work-related issues is promising. Future studies are warranted, particularly with larger samples and remote webconferencing delivery.

Introduction: Violence in psychiatric settings has negative consequences on patients, staff, and the institution alike. Efforts to prevent violence cannot currently be assessed due to a lack of suitable indicators. The Violence Prevention Climate Scale (VPC-14) is a validated tool that can be filled out by both staff and patients to assess the violence prevention climate in mental health care units. Objective: This study aimed to conduct the translation and adaptation of the VPC-14 to a French Canadian context, and to assess its psychometric properties in general and forensic psychiatric settings. Methods: This study followed a transcultural approach for validating measuring instruments. Psychometric properties were assessed in 308 patients and staff from 4 mental health and forensic hospitals in Quebec (Canada). Content validity was assessed using a bilingual participant approach. Internal validity was examined through exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency for each care setting using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient analysis. Results: The Échelle modifiée du climat de prévention de la violence [Modified Violence Prevention Climate Scale] (VPC-M-FR) consists of 23 items with a 3-factor structure: 1) staff action, 2) patient action, and 3) the therapeutic environment. Cronbach’s alphas ranging from 0.69 to 0.89 were obtained for the internal consistency of the scale. Discussion and conclusion: The VPC-M-FR has satisfactory psychometric properties for measuring the violence prevention climate in mental health and forensic settings. By measuring the violence prevention climate from the standpoint of patients and staff, targeted preventive measures can be implemented to improve safety for all.

Purpose: COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions have significantly changed the environment and the delivery of direct care in all health services, including psychiatric hospitals. The aim of the study is two-fold: 1) to retrospectively assess the prevalence of seclusion and mechanical restraint in a Quebec mental health hospital over 4 years; and 2) to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their prevalence. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study based on medical records from a Quebec mental health hospital collected (a) from April 2016 to March 2019), (b) from April 2019, to March 2020 (pre-COVID onset), and (c) from April 2020 to March 2021 (post-COVID onset). Descriptive statistics, chi square tests, Mann-Kendall test and Welch's t-test were performed. Results: Following several years during which the use of restrictive measures remained stable, we have noted a significant increase within the first year following the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase can be seen in the use of both seclusion and restraints, which have risen 205% and 170% respectively. Conclusion: There are a multitude of factors associated with the prevalence of seclusion and restraint that have the potential to be triggered during emergencies and global crisis situations, impacting in turn the rights of an already vulnerable population.

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