Rural generalist nurses' perceptions of the effectiveness of their therapeutic interventions for patients with mental illness.
OBJECTIVE
To explore generalist nurses' perceptions of their efficacy in caring for mentally ill clients in rural and remote settings, and their educational needs in the area of mental health care.


METHODS
A self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Mental Health Problems Perception Questionnaire; a Likert scale used to rate the perceptions of nursing staff of their own ability to adequately treat and care for patients experiencing mental illness.


METHODS
The Roma and Charleville Health Service Districts, Queensland, Australia.


METHODS
Nurses (Registered Nurses, Assistants in Nursing and Enrolled Nurses) in the Roma and Charleville health service districts (n = 163).


METHODS
Generalist nurses' perceptions regarding their therapeutic commitment, role competency and role support.


RESULTS
Seventy per cent of respondents indicated that limited knowledge of mental health problems was an issue preventing nursing staff in rural and remote settings from providing optimum care to patients with mental illness. Twenty-nine per cent of respondents indicated that they had never received or undertaken training or education in relation to the care, treatment or assessment of patients with mental illness.


CONCLUSIONS
Rural nurses do not feel competent, nor adequately supported, to deal with patients with mental health problems. In addition, the nurses' education and ongoing training do not adequately prepare them for this sphere.
Clark
Chanelle
C
Queensland Health, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. chanelle_clark@health.qld.gov.au
Parker
Elizabeth
E
Gould
Trish
T
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011793:Queensland; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome