Mental health support in general care settings: An exploratory study into factors that influence nurses in meeting patient’s needs

It is estimated that thirty to sixty five percent of patients within general care settings have specific mental health needs that do not always get addressed. These may be related to minor mental health problems, pre-existing mental disorder or illnesses that may develop during the course of inpatient care. Nurses are the largest professional healthcare group to provide direct and indirect care, and are in a unique position to be able to assess and assist a person who may be suffering from a minor mental health problem. However, literature suggests the assessment, understanding and management of patients with mental health needs is limited. Investigation into specific factors that influence nurses from meeting the mental health needs of patients in general care settings is important in not only enhancing the provision of patient care, but also in identifying what support may be required. This may assist in ensuring appropriate interventions are made and holistic care that best meets patients individual recovery needs is provided. A mixed quantitative and qualitative design was used to investigate the hypothesis that New Zealand results will be the same as found in international studies. The research question “what factors influence nurses in meeting the mental health needs of patients in general care settings?” was explored using a self administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was forwarded to nurses (n = 90) working in acute, medical, surgical, and rehabilitation wards in a regional hospital and comprised questions relating to nurse’s views and experience in caring for people with mental health needs and problems. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The aims of this research project were to: identify factors that influence nurse’s meeting patient’s mental health needs; determine any factors that prevent needs from being met; assess if there is a need for educational support; and compare results to international literature. Participants (n = 29) indicated that factors such as workload, task oriented care, environment, severity of condition, and education, influenced them from meeting patient’s mental health needs. Participants further indicated an even spilt regarding having sufficient knowledge and confidence to care for people with mental health problems and also feeling vulnerable. This may indicate a need for additional training for some nurses and possible targeted mentoring. Fifty two percent of participants indicated they did not have enough support to care for people with mental health problems. Fourty eight percent believed that more support from mental health services was also needed, which would increase confidence. Fifty six percent of participants indicated they did not have enough time to care for people with mental health needs and 71% wanted further training in order to expand their knowledge in mental health. This may suggest that ‘protected time’ may be useful. Results were similar to international studies completed in the United Kingdom and Australia in the past seven years.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Nursing

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Eastern Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Pack, Justine

• New Zealand
• registered nurses
• patient mental health
• patient support
• holistic care
• influences
• surveys

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6597

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10652/6597