Experiences of mental health nurses working in general practice: A qualitative study

Background: This paper reports on a qualitative study utilising in-depth interviews of sixteen Australian mental health nurses (MHNs) working in general practice. On 1st July 2015, the commonwealth government of Australia established 31 primary health networks (PHN) to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for people, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and to improve coordination of care. Aim: This study explores the experiences of Australian MHNs working in general practice. Design: Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged through the data analysis: (1) autonomy and flexibility, (2) opportunity for more clinically focused work, (3) health promotion and preventative health and (4) excited to work in general practice. Findings: Study Participants identified many clinical opportunities working in primary practice and noted that the autonomy and flexibility of their role was quite different from other areas they had previously worked. They reported having more time to spend with the patients and being able to engage in health promotion. Conclusions: In order to make mental health care more accessible it is important to have a well-qualified workforce within primary health care (PHC) settings such as general practice. The participants of this study have identified ways they have been best utilised in the Primary Care workforce. They embrace the autonomy of the role and the ability to engage with consumers by providing clinical interventions that can assess and intervene with people experiencing mental illness.