Mental health and wellbeing: a snapshot of GPN training needs

Abstract

Background: The vast majority (up to 90%) of depressive and anxiety disorders that are diagnosed are treated in primary care ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2011 ). However, practice nurses traditionally have little training in this area, and recognition of anxiety disorders in primary care is particularly poor ( NICE, 2011 ). Aim: To learn more about how practice nurses perceive their role in managing common mental health disorders; the types of training practice nurses think they need; the types of training that GPs and clinical commissioning group (CCG) leads think practice nurses need; how practice nurses would like training to be delivered; how GPs and CCG leads would like training to be organized. Method: A national audit was carried out using online questionnaires (15 questions for practice nurses; 3 for GPs and CCG leads). Two focus groups were held 1 month apart, with practice nurses in Northamptonshire following protected learning time sessions. Results: Over 82% of practice nurses have responsibilities for aspects of mental health and wellbeing where they have not had training, and 98% of practice nurses would like to attend a relevant course. The practice nurses indicated a preference for face-to-face training in a classroom environment, as opposed to teaching in the workplace or e-learning. A third of practice nurses would struggle to attend a course because gaining agreement from employers is difficult. Conclusions: The practice nurses demonstrated an awareness of common mental health disorders and how to treat them, and a desire to learn through accessible education that is fit for purpose. There is a need to develop a national training programme that includes financial incentives for GPs.