Mental health nurses working in primary care: Perceptions of general practitioners

The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) was established across Australia during 2007. Under the guidelines for the program, mental health nurses work in partnership with general practitioners (GPs) to assist in the assessment and treatment of those with more severe mental health problems. This paper provides insights, from the perspective of GPs, on the qualities required of mental health nurses seeking employment in the primary care setting. A descriptive, exploratory approach was employed to isolate relevant themes. Discussion groups were conducted with 25 GPs involved with the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program. These discussion groups were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Five overarching thematic clusters emerged from the data: (i) 'fitting in'; (ii) knowledge; (iii) skills; (iv) supporting GPs; and (v) educating GPs. While GPs recognize the valuable contribution that mental health nurses can make in the treatment of those with mental health problems, this appears to be dependent on the knowledge and skills of the nurses involved and their ability to engage with GPs. Ongoing education and other practical interventions are required to ensure that GPs are better informed about the initiative.