A pilot feasibility study of nurse-led psyllium supplementation for metabolic health in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia.
- 2026-04
- Archives of psychiatric nursing 61
- Ru-Shin Jang
- Chin-Chou Yang
- Wen-Jiuan Yen
- Mei-Ling Lin
- PubMed: 41956574
- DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2026.152072
Study Design
- Type
- Clinical Trial
- Population
- individuals with schizophrenia in long-term psychiatric inpatient settings
- Methods
- pilot feasibility trial; nurse-delivered psyllium supplementation protocol with supervised preparation, intake, hydration monitoring, and adverse event surveillance
- Funding
- Unclear
Background
Individuals with schizophrenia in long-term psychiatric inpatient settings face substantial cardiometabolic risk, while feasible non-pharmacological metabolic interventions remain limited within routine nursing care. Psyllium supplementation may offer a practical dietary fiber strategy that can be integrated into psychiatric nursing practice.Purpose
This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a nurse-delivered psyllium supplementation protocol and explored preliminary metabolic patterns among hospitalized individuals with schizophrenia.Methods
A pilot feasibility trial was conducted in the psychiatric inpatient unit. Psychiatric nurses supervised psyllium preparation, intake, hydration monitoring, and adverse event surveillance as part of routine care. Feasibility outcomes included adherence, safety, and protocol fidelity. Exploratory metabolic indicators were assessed descriptively to inform future trial design.Results
Adherence to the nurse-delivered protocol was high, and no gastrointestinal, psychiatric, or medical adverse events were observed. Exploratory analyses indicated attenuation of early triglyceride increases and modest stabilization of central adiposity and glycemic indicators during the intervention period.Conclusions
Nurse-led psyllium supplementation was feasible and safe in a long-term psychiatric inpatient setting and generated preliminary metabolic signals that warrant further investigation. These findings highlight the potential role of psychiatric nurses in implementing proactive, non-pharmacological metabolic care for individuals with schizophrenia.Research Insights
Exploratory analyses indicated attenuation of early triglyceride increases and modest stabilization of central adiposity and glycemic indicators during the intervention period.
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
Exploratory analyses indicated attenuation of early triglyceride increases and modest stabilization of central adiposity and glycemic indicators during the intervention period.
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
Exploratory analyses indicated attenuation of early triglyceride increases and modest stabilization of central adiposity and glycemic indicators during the intervention period.
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
Adverse Events Reported
no gastrointestinal, psychiatric, or medical adverse events were observed
- Finding
- Reported