Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program: Contributing to positive client outcomes

Abstract

Mental health conditions are likely to affect almost half of the population at some stage in their lives. Despite the magnitude and potentially serious consequences of mental illness and disorders, access to services is a significant problem. In 2007, the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) was implemented to improve access to mental health care in Australia. Mental health nurses are engaged under the MHNIP to work with general practitioners, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals to treat clients experiencing a mental health condition. This paper presents findings from a qualitative exploration of nurses working under the MHNIP in Australia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 nurses currently working under the MHNIP to gain an understanding of their roles and their perceptions of the effectiveness of this new programme. Data were analysed using NVivo. Four major themes emerged: developing the role, a holistic approach, working collaboratively, and benefits to clients. The findings suggest that mental health nurses have the potential to make a significant contribution to enhancing access to, and the quality of, mental health care through flexible and innovative approaches.

Becoming a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse in the UK: A Qualitative Study Exploring Processes of Identity Formation

“…However, sociopolitical expediency may be more of a motivator to pursue credentialing than wishing to identify as a mental health nurse. A considerable proportion of those whom have sought credentials to date are working in primary care in association with general practitioners, a non-traditional setting, but one which requires this endorsement to ensure an income from the federally funded Mental Health Incentive Programme Happell, Palmer, & Tennent, 2010).…”

Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program: Facilitating physical health care for people with mental illness?

“…; Happell & Palmer ; Happell et al . ; National Advisory Council on Mental Health ). Part of the basis for a strong relationship between the MHN and medical practitioner is the process involved in engaging the MHN in the care of people with SMI.…”

“…; Happell et al . ; Meehan & Robertson ; Meehan & Robertson ), providing flexible means for MHN to connect with GPs, psychiatrists, and consumers, enabling collaborative care in primary health. These documents have focused on the key aim of the MHNIP to deliver improved mental health services in primary care, with little attention to physical health issues.…”

Panorama de la santé 2013

“…Une revue d'études montre que les complications sont plus rares dans les modèles dans lesquels les sages-femmes jouent un rôle de premier plan (Hatem et al, 2008 (Happell et al, 2010).…”