The role of the Nurse Specialist in the highly specialized field of Mental Health and Deafness.
This opinion paper considers the need for enhanced clinical skills and knowledge to fulfil the role of a Specialist Nurse in the field of Mental Health & Deafness and informs professionals of a new group called the Mental Health & Deafness National Nurse Specialist Forum. Their knowledge and skills enable therapeutic interventions to be accessible and meaningful for Deaf people. A case study illustrates the complex nature of assessment and treatment in Mental Health & Deafness and highlights the potential devastating consequences that may occur if a Deaf person is misdiagnosed and does not access appropriate services. An increased awareness of the field and forum aims to increase the interest of nurses outside of the field and support a developing evidence base for Deaf sensitive interventions and opportunities for further pioneering work.
Nurse Therapy Department, Alpha Hospitals Medium and Low Secure Services for Deaf People, Bury, Lancashire, UK. nick.horne@alphahospitals.co.uk
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N
Horne
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Pennington
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003638:Deafness / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D024802:Nurse's Role