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A survey of psychiatric nurses' opinions of advanced practice roles in psychiatric nursing
Author(s) -
ALLEN J.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1365-2850
pISSN - 1351-0126
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2850.1998.560451.x
Subject(s) - medical prescription , psychiatry , medicine , nursing , mental health , test (biology) , psychiatric hospital , family medicine , paleontology , biology
This postal survey established psychiatric nurses' opinions of the content of advanced practice psychiatric nursing roles. A random sample, consisting of 100 members of the Network for Psychiatric Nursing Research (NPNR), was surveyed. 78% returned completed questionnaires. Responses were analysed using the chi‐square test, and the Mann‐Whitney U‐test. Elements of the normal nursing role identified included psychiatric assessment, patient and carer education, and basic psychotherapeutic practices. Identified advanced practice roles included psychiatric diagnoses, prescribing single emergency doses and modifying doses of a wide range of psychotropic medication. Enhanced autonomy in admission and discharge and additional powers under the Mental Health Act were also supported. The prescription of full courses of medication and the prescription and administration of electroconvulsive therapy were rejected as nursing roles. University and Trust employed nurses responded differently in a number of these areas. The study concluded that an advanced practice role which incorporates restricted elements of psychiatric practice is supported by psychiatric nurses, and recommends that pilot sites should be established which test the acceptability and effectiveness of the identified role.