Mental health nursing roles and functions in acute inpatient units: caring for people with intellectual disability and mental health problems--a literature review.
The purpose of this paper is to review current national and international perspectives on the role and function of mental health nursing in dual disability within acute mental health inpatient settings. A universally accepted definition of the role and function of psychiatric nursing has been elusive. The role and function may be presumed to have core attributes that differ according to local conditions. The articulation of the role and function will contribute to the body of knowledge of psychiatric nursing and to improving the understanding of the nurse-patient relationship for those caring for people with dual disability in acute mental health inpatient facilities. The two identified key roles and functions of mental health nursing practice for people with intellectually disabilities within acute inpatient mental health facilities in Victoria will be discussed.
Pridding
Andrew
A
Victorian Dual Disability Service, PO Box 2900, Fitzroy Victoria, Australia. andrew.pridding@svhm.org.au
Watkins
David
D
Happell
Brenda
B
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000208:Acute Disease; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004645:Empathy; D006757:Hospital Units; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D007857:Leadership; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014739:Victoria