The beliefs of nurses about patients with a psychiatric history admitted to an acute area setting

Abstract

The aim of the present quantitative descriptive study was to identify the beliefs of general nurses towards patients with a psychiatric history admitted to an acute area setting. The objectives of the study included the investigation of positive and negative beliefs towards patients with a psychiatric history and whether these beliefs influenced the care given to these patients. Issues investigated included family involvement, psychopharmacology, environment of the ward, discharge planning, incidence and effects of stigma, anxiety and the educational needs of the general nurses involved. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which was designed by the present author and administered to a convenience sample of thirty state registered nurses working in three medical and surgical wards. The response rate of participants was of twenty eight nurses (93.4%). Data analyses was carried out manually using a quantitative descriptive process. Results showed that patients with a psychiatric history admitted to wards for acute cases generated extra concern. These patients were perceived as an extra burden and perceived as difficult to deal with by general nurses particularly those showing signs of aggression or those who were schizophrenic. Stigmatic responses, negative attitudes and anxiety were also evident in the participants replies. The study also revealed that although the same level of physical care was given, little attention was given to the psychiatric condition of the patients. This was attributed to the lack of staff, busy nursing schedules, the ward environment, and lack of knowledge in psychiatric nursing skills and psychopharmacology. The lack of family involvement in care and discharge planning was also evident. The introduction of the psychiatric consultation liaison nurse, continuous professional development and specific courses in mental health nursing play a key role in.