Trends in mental health: implications for advanced practice nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To examine current trends in mental health care for vulnerable populations and suggest how advanced practice nurses (APNs) can incorporate mental health care into primary care practice.


METHODS
Original research and evidence-based clinical articles, government publications, and professional practice guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
Vulnerable populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, adults with chronic mental illness, the elderly, the incarcerated, and those living in rural areas have long been ignored as recipients of quality, integrated health care services. There is a compelling need for APNs to participate in the integrated delivery of physical and mental health care to all Americans, especially to vulnerable populations.


CONCLUSIONS
Under the umbrella of advanced practice nursing, a variety of nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) can offer a holistic approach to the provision of evidence-based health care in a wide variety of settings to an array of vulnerable and underserved people. By serving on provider panels, partnering with consumer groups, and advocating for the unmet health needs of vulnerable populations, APNs can have a positive impact on the health care delivery system.
Puskar
Kathryn R
KR
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. krp12@pitt.edu
Bernardo
Lisa
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000639:trends*