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Perceptions of the role of the community psychiatric nurse
- Author:
- BARLOW Ken
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 28.02.06, 2006, pp.34-38.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
This small-scale study explores the self-perceived differences between the contributions of community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) and other members of a multidisciplinary community mental health team for older people. Four CPNs and five other professionals completed questionnaires in order to collect qualitative responses. The questionnaires were analysed on a thematic basis. The results found that CPNs' skills seemed to be recognised and valued by their multidisciplinary colleagues. However, the CPNs were not always the same as those identified by their colleagues. There did not appear to be any consensus among the CPNs yet their colleagues seemed to feel the CPN role was reasonably clear. The study suggests the CPN role involves taking a relationship-based, person-centred approach in which adaptability and flexibility are key characteristics. The results are largely consistent with other findings and demonstrate the need to nurture contributions made by CPNs as autonomous practitioners in multidisciplinary settings providing care for older people with dementia.