Exploring the value of mental health nurses working in primary care in England: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims/Question General practice is typically the first point of access to healthcare. This study explores what value a Primary Care Liaison Nurse (PCLN) service, established in 2011, can bring to people with mental health problems in primary care. Method Semi-structured interviews were used to elicit participants' experiences and perspectives on the value of a PCLN service. Participants included ten interviews with seven general practitioners and three senior practitioners working in primary care mental health services. Thematic analysis, based on a 6-phase approach, was used to describe and explore the data collected. Results Five main themes were derived from the thematic analysis of the interviews relating to: integration; clinical effectiveness; patient centred care; access; and efficiency. Discussion The study suggests that the PCLN service can improve the quality of care and is generally highly valued by its stakeholders. The study identifies particularly valued elements of the service, including having a duty worker, as well as aspects which could be improved, such as patient criteria. Implications for practice This is a relatively new service and the cost-effectiveness is not yet fully understood; however, commissioners may want to consider the potential benefits of a similar service in their area.

Substituting specialist care for patients with severe mental illness with primary healthcare. Experiences in a mixed methods study

“…On one side, the community mental health nurses, the psychiatrist and partly also the patients expressed the point of view that the referral to primary healthcare is an accomplishment and a sign of recovery. On the other side, the GP's saw the referral as little more than a practical change, which is an observation that has been made before (McLeod & Simpson, ). When asked for tangible differences after the referral to primary healthcare, the GP's only identified practical differences (like nearer to home or getting less time from the healthcare professional).…”

“…Other examples include a recently published review describing the association between continuity of care and health outcomes (Weaver, Coffey, & Hewitt, ) and a qualitative study about mental health care planning among mental health nurses working in primary care in England, that concludes that clear referral criteria are needed (McLeod & Simpson, ). Studies like these add to the knowledge base on treating patients with SMI in primary healthcare.…”

New models of care in general practice for the youth mental health transition boundary

“…15 Several studies have evaluated the use of mental health nurses in primary care. 16,17 Redeploying trained community psychiatry nurses into general practice across primary care networks has the potential to result in positive mental health patient outcomes, 16 improved access to mental health care, shorter waiting times, and better integrated care. 17 In addition, studies have reported reduced stigma for accessing mental health services within primary care.…”

“…17 In addition, studies have reported reduced stigma for accessing mental health services within primary care. 17…”

The work and challenges of care managers in the implementation of collaborative care: A qualitative study

“…Based on the IMPACT study, Saur et al. () described how the psychiatric nurses took on a “unique role of mental health nurses in primary care.” A recent study of mental health nurse‐led primary care liaison in the United Kingdom showed that mental health nurses can improve the quality of care and can be successfully integrated into primary care (McLeod & Simpson, ).…”