Abstract:
Background: The provision of mental health in primary health care settings has become increasingly important and is acknowledged in many of the key health strategies in New Zealand. Practice nurses and community mental health nurse have been tasked as the main nursing groups to provide and support the provision of mental health care in the primary health care context. This thesis reports on a qualitative study that ascertains the perceptions of practice nurses and community mental health nurses on what knowledge and skills they require in order to provide mental health care in the primary health care context. Methods: A focus group approach was utilised with a purposeful sample of 3 practice nurses from primary health care settings and 6 nurses from community mental health nursing settings. One focus group was held for each nursing workplace. A general inductive approach was used to analyse the data. Findings: The covert challenge of stigma was revealed as a dominant factor influencing both nursing groups‘ perspectives and subsequent practice. Any expressed willingness and ability to work with mental health issues was negated by stigma and discriminatory practices towards mental health, as reported by both groups. Discussion: Education alone for practice nurses and community mental health nurses will not significantly affect the stigma and discrimination directed to service users/patients who present with mental health issues. It requires the combination of education that includes stigma awareness in adjunct with an increased direct contact with mental health services and professionals.
