Training needs of managers in occupational mental health nursing field

Abstract

AbstractAim: In recent years, the mental health of workers has become a vital issue and the role of managers in occupational mental health promotion is now viewed as extremely important. In this study the training needs of managers with respect to occupational mental health were identified from the perspective of occupational health nurses, who are required to support managers in dealing with this complex problem.Methods: The subjects of the present study were 748 managers in a large public service enterprise who had taken part in training seminars on occupational mental health conducted from 2000 to 2001. In 2004 data were collected from written reports presented by occupational health nurses, which contained questions asked by the participants in the seminar. The content of 163 questions registered in the reports was coded and repeatedly classified based on the similarities between them, and five categories were eventually extracted.Results: The following categories were extracted: (i) basic knowledge of mental disorders; (ii) care for workers with mental disorders; (iii) workplace environment; (iv) mental health promotion; and (v) development of the workplace mental health management system.Conclusions: The managers targeted in this research showed great interest in promoting mental health in the workplace. It is necessary for occupational health nurses as health‐care professionals to cooperate with managers, comprehend their problems and concerns, and support them.