Cogitare Enfermagem (Mar 2009)
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING CARE TO PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED IN A PSYCHIATRICHOSPITAL
Abstract
It’s a descriptive-qualitative research study carried out at a psychiatric hospital in Paraná State/ Brazil fromFebruary to May/2007. It aimed: to apprehend how nurses deliver mental health nursing care to patients admitted in apsychiatric hospital. Seven nurses participated in the research study; data were collected by means of a semi-structuredinterview and categorized as follows: nurses’ daily practice; nursing care delivered to patients and family members;nursing care related to patients’ autonomy; nurses’ disqualification for mental health care. Data disclosed diversifiedactivities performed by nurses, however, administrative ones prevail. Patients’ direct care or their families’ is less emphasized.It is concluded that care systematization is deemed necessary for a more effective practice as well as ongoing educationfocusing on knowledge, ultimately interpersonal relationship
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