Exploratory study to evaluate staff attitudes towards geriatric psychiatry

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Nursing Attitudes
• Mental Health Services

Background:

• Popular opinion suggests geriatric psychiatry nursing is unpopular among nurses.
• Previous studies indicated high anxiety levels among learners in geriatric nursing.
• Research suggests younger individuals may hold negative views of the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess staff attitudes towards geriatric psychiatry patients.
• To investigate nursing staff perceptions in peripheral hospitals.
• To challenge the prevailing negative sentiment regarding geriatric psychiatry.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a larger study framework within Tayside Health District hospitals.
• Employed two pre-coded questionnaires for data collection.
• Focused on staff attitudes within Murray Royal and Murthly Hospitals.

Main Results:

• Findings indicated a highly positive attitude scale among surveyed staff.
• The study's hypothesis of negative staff attitudes was not supported.
• Nurses demonstrated a favorable view of geriatric psychiatry nursing.

Conclusions:

• Staff in these peripheral hospitals possess positive attitudes towards geriatric psychiatry.
• The study contradicts the widely held belief of unpopularity in this nursing field.
• Positive attitudes may stem from direct experience and engagement with patients.