The advent of mental health nurses in Australian primary health care: a preliminary evaluation of the mental health nurse incentive program.

摘要

Primary health care plays an important role in the health system of any nation. There has been a growing emphasis in Australia on the role of primary health care in the provision of accessible mental health care to people with mental illness in the face of dwindling health care funding. This explorative-descriptive mixed method study describes the role and scope of practice of Mental Health Nurses (MHNs) working under the Australian Government’s Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) as well as the impact of their role. The study consisted of 3 phases. Interviews were held with key stakeholders involved in the establishment of the MHNIP such as Government representatives in phase 1 of the study. Interviews were conducted with MHNs working under the MHNIP in phase 2 and in phase 3 of the study, a survey of MHNs and GPs was conducted canvassing their views on the operation and impact of the MHNIP. The study revealed that the guidelines for the role of MHNs were largely pre-determined by the Commonwealth Government, there was no evidence-based practice that informed the role of the MHNs. On their part, MHNs were quite pleased with the opportunity to work in general practice and GPs largely welcomed the presence of MHNs in their practice. The role of the MHNs is similar to that of the case management role of community psychiatric nurses; however, the nurses are able to better utilise their clinical skills. The role of MHNs in primary health care can be further expanded to improve overall health care delivery for people with a severe mental illness. The MHNIP opens the way for a more effective delivery of mental health care in Australia.