Mental health nurses can increase capability and capacity in primary care by educating practice nurses: an evaluation of an education programme in England

摘要

The majority of mental health problems in England are dealt with in primary care but most of the healthcare workers in primary care have little knowledge of mental health. We wanted to develop an accessible education programme which was appropriate to the learning needs of this workforce. Mental health nurses can deliver training in mental health and well-being (which has been developed by an expert) to practice nurses. This increases the knowledge of both parties and promotes working together. Utilizing mental health nurses as trainers improves both their clinical practice and that of the practice nurses they have taught. As the time mental health nurses need to spend away from practice to carry out education is minimal, it has little impact on their usual workload. Other health organizations both nationally and internationally could adapt the education programme to suit their particular needs. Research is required to find out whether training practice nurses in this way has an impact on patients.