Splitting the difference: the heroes and villains of mental health policy and nursing practice.
Drawing on psychodynamic and managerialist concepts, this paper explores possible consequences for patients and mental health nurses of the policy driven "splitting" of mental health service provision in the UK. Services and resources are now split for those with a severe and enduring mental illness and those with a common mental problem. We argue the damaging divisiveness in creating these two "political" groups makes determining how to meet the needs of individuals with common yet complex problems more difficult. The way in which an increased awareness and understanding of psychodynamic concepts can help the mental health nurse deal with such complexity is explored.
Warne
Tony
T
Salford Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Collaborative Research, The University of Salford, Salford, Greater Manchester, UK. a.r.warne@salford.ac.uk
McAndrew
Susan
S
D002908:Chronic Disease; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007355:Insurance, Nursing Services; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009742:Nursing Theory; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011057:Politics; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011574:Psychoanalytic Theory; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom