Nurses' perceptions of a mental health education programme for Australian nurses

In the present study, we present qualitative findings of study of nurses' perceptions of a mental health education programme for Australian nurses. Many nurses avoid disclosing their mental health problem/illness because of the stigmatization by health workers. Mental health education is a successful means to address workplace stigma; thus, it can be anticipated that such education can address workplace difficulties experienced by nurses with mental health problems. During 2008, a qualitative study was conducted to obtain nurses' perceptions of a short mental health education programme for nurses. The workshop purpose was to improve mental health literacy in order to improve support to colleagues with mental health problems. Semistructured, audio-taped interviews were conducted with 13 nurses and then transcribed. A framework analysis approach guided interpretation of the data. The education programme had limited effect on the participants' attitudes towards colleagues with mental health problems. This was likely due to their high level of mental health literacy and experiences prior to the workshop. Participants felt that a more focused nurse-specific programme might have been more efficacious. Implementing a nurse-specific education session is potentially an effective means to improve support to nurses who experience mental health problems.