title: The role of the inpatient mental health nurse in facilitating patient adherence to medication regimes.
abstract: Non-adherence to antipsychotic medication is associated with relapse of psychiatric symptoms and readmission to inpatient mental health services. The important role of the mental health nurse in facilitating adherence has been acknowledged, however, there has been little exploration of how nurses themselves perceive this aspect of their role. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the perceptions of mental health nurses employed in inpatient settings regarding their role in facilitating medication adherence. Focus groups were conducted with 22 nurses from three inpatient settings in metropolitan Melbourne. The main themes to emerge from the data were: nurses' responsibilities in medication management; ways in which nurses are educated about antipsychotic medication; barriers to the provision of medication management, and barriers to effective patient adherence. Recommendations for more effective practice are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Psychiatric Nursing Research and Practice, School of Postgraduate Nursing, University of Melbourne, Level 1, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3010, Australia. b.happell@nursing.unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Manias
authors.forename: Jaya
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pinikahana
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009739:Nursing Services; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents