Abstract
ABSTRACTPurpose: This discussion paper aims to explore the need of a clarified definition of master’s level mental health nursing competencies in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes in a European context. Mental health service users have, in spite of their right to equal overall health, higher rates of physical illness and are more likely to experience premature death than the general population. Implementation of a holistic concept of health comprising mental, physical and social aspects of health in mental health services has previously proved to be challenging. Methods: Master’s level mental health nursing competencies in recent literature are discussed and illuminated in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to enable the promotion of equal overall health among service users in mental health services. Results: The discussion show contents, values and utility of master’s level mental health nursing competencies in mental health services and contribute to reduced role ambiguity by distinguishing master’s level responsibilities from undergraduate nursing tasks and obligations of other professionals in mental health care. Conclusion: This discussion paper shapes implications for developments in master’s level mental health nursing education curricula.
Highlights
Individuals experiencing enduring mental health issues have higher rates of physical illness and are more likely to experience premature death than the general population (Blyte & White, 2012)
Responsibilities regarding health-promotion interventions in mental health services remain vague and the stigma associated with mental illness is widespread, even among mental health professionals (Ehrlich et al, 2014; Jormfeldt & Hallén, 2016)
Studies show that insufficient priority is currently being given to meet the physical health-care needs of people experiencing mental illness (Happell et al, 2014d; Heald et al, 2010; Laursen & Nodentoft, 2006)
Summary
Individuals experiencing enduring mental health issues have higher rates of physical illness and are more likely to experience premature death than the general population (Blyte & White, 2012). Physical ill health among mental health service users has repeatedly been mistaken for symptoms of “mental illness” and overlooked, even by mental health nurses (Bradshaw & Pedley, 2012). A clarification of responsibilities among different professions, and the specific obligations of mental health nurses in relation to services users’ needs of health promotion, may be a prerequisite to overcome the shortcomings of overall and physical health promoting activities in mental health services (Gunnmo & Fatouros Bergman, 2011; Hodgson, McCulloch, & Fox, 2011). As a part of the project, this specific paper focuses on master’s level competencies of mental health nurses’ regarding the physical health needs of people who use mental health services
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