A Model to Promote the Mental Health of nurses caring for mental health care users at the mental health institutions in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Findings from a study conducted by the researcher for her master’s Dissertation revealed that nurses providing care to mental health care users (MHCUs) at mental health institutions expressed a feeling of being challenged as they execute their professional duties. This is evidenced by their developing bottled-up emotions characterised by anger, burnout, frustration, and posttraumatic stress disorder, which is a sign of mental distress. Based on these findings, the idea of developing a model to promote the mental health of nurses caring for mental health care users in mental health institutions in Limpopo Province emerged. Purpose: The study aimed to develop a model to promote the mental health of nurses providing care to mental health care users at mental health institutions. Methods: Qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive designs were utilised. The PRECEEDE-PROCEED model guided the study. Three mental health institutions and the nurses who cared for MHCUs were purposively selected. The Pilot study was conducted with three nurses who shared characteristics with the research participants but were not part of the study. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1: Data were collected from 29 nurses who provided informed consent using unstructured in-depth interviews. Participants were assured of confidentiality and anonymity throughout the study. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical considerations were applied throughout the study. Tesch’s method was used to analyse raw data. Phase 2 focused on model development and description. Phase 3 focused on model validation. Results: The study revealed that nurses caring for MCHUs at mental health institutions face several challenges, such as the absence of seclusion cubicles for psychotic patients, risk of harm, and limited engagement of the multidisciplinary team, with staff development stagnant, as well as high attrition of nurses. A model was developed and described using the PRECEDE-PROCEED framework and was subsequently validated by experts. Recommendation/Conclusion: The study recommended the creation of a conducive working environment; remuneration for acting positions and overtime; hiring and staff retention strategies; staff recognition; effective communication; staff development; and counselling, debriefing, and post-incident sessions.