Understanding Thai Community Nurses’ Experiences of Caring for Psychiatric Patients in Primary Care Units: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background: Mental illness has been a significant public health challenge in Thailand, where there is a shortage of specialists. Consequently, community nurses (CNs) who are not specialists have been tasked with enhancing mental health outcomes in the primary care system of the country. This study aims to shed light on CNs’ lived experiences of caring for psychiatric patients within the primary care units (PCUs).Methods: A phenomenological research approach and in-depth interviews were conducted with nine CNs responsible for psychiatric patient care purposefully selected at nine PCUs in southern Thailand, including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Phangnga, and Chumporn provinces, between March and December 2019. Data analysis was carried out using Colaizzi’s method.Results: The experiences of CNs were expressed through three main themes: “Confronting role expansion in long-term psychiatric care responsibilities,” “Insecurity in role ambiguity,” and “Duty of supportive caring for marginalized people.”Conclusion: Thai CNs face significant stress when providing care for psychiatric patients, grappling with their acknowledged lack of specialization and essential expertise in the field. Alongside the issue, they knew that supportive caring for marginalized people is their duty to humanity. Primary care systems must recognize CNs’ vital role in enhancing psychiatric patient care. Comprehensive training empowers them, fostering confidence and enabling better connections and care management. This can lead to improved patient outcomes and overall care quality.

Keywords

• community health nurse
• mental disorders
• patient care
• psychiatric nursing
• role