Title: Challenges affecting the implementation of the integrated approach to mental health care at PHC setting

Biography:

Hilda Shilubane has completed her PhD from Maastricht University, The Netherlands in 2013. She is an associate professor in the Department of Advanced Nursing at the University of Venda, South Africa and has published more than 28 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract

The implementation of the integrated approach to mental health care at primary health care (PHC) clinics could pose a challenge to PHC nurses. The study explored the perceptions of the professional nurses on the challenges affecting the implementation of the integrated approach to mental health care.  A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory design was used. The population comprised of PHC nurses working in the Mutale sub-district PHC facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Probability systematic random sampling and purposive sampling were used to obtain a sample of six PHC clinics and 45 PHC nurses respectively. Ethical principles were taken into account. Focus groups and individual interviews were used to collect data. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s open coding method.  Poor management of PHC resources and difficulties in managing psychotic patients were found to affect the implementation of the integrated approach to mental health care at PHC clinics. The study suggests that staff development programs be instituted and staff trained to acquire skills to handle aggressive mentally ill patients.