Male nurses' perceptions and attitudes towards caring for substance misusers.

Abstract

Substance misuse is a major concern worldwide. This qualitative study focused on male nurses' perceptions and attitudes towards caring for substance misusers. The aim was to explore the perceptions and attitudes of male nurses working in psychiatric wards in a mental health hospital. The objectives of the study were to identify perceived competence when dealing with substance misusers; identify what nurses feel they need to be able to deal effectively with these patients; explore what are the factors which influence these perceptions and attitudes and to identify how nurses perceive that the care for substance misusers differ from non-misusers. Since knowledge and experience also influence perceptions, they were also explored within this study. An exploratory qualitative design was adopted in this study. Data was collected through audio-taped, semi-structured interviews and convenience sample often male nurses. An interview schedule was developed by the researcher after a thorough literature search pertaining to the topic under study and was piloted before the actual data collection. Data was analysed using thematic analysis which involved identifying themes. Data analysis revealed five major themes namely, "concern for patients", "indifference to treatment", "need for training and orientation", "role of patients in the whole process". Results showed that there was a mixture of both negative and positive attitudes. A study of this nature helps to bring to light, some psychological issues that health care professionals have regarding the habits of these patients. More knowledge was highlighted on the specific training nurses need towards caring for substance misusers. Identifying those attributes will create an avenue for further research on the possible ways of proffering a solution to these issues in nurses. This may be done by developing consistent guidelines with the aim of improving the quality of care to these patients.