Mental health nurses’ and psychiatrists’ views on the prognosis of schizophrenia and depression: an exploratory, qualitative investigation

Abstract

This study uses a qualitative methodology to explore mental health literacy, specifically perceptions of prognosis, which is typically investigated with a quantitative, questionnaire-based approach. Two vignettes--one of a person with schizophrenia and one with depression--were shown to three mental health nurses and three psychiatrists. During semi-structured, open-ended interviews, they were asked to discuss their thoughts about the prognosis for the patient presented in each vignette. Participants tended to use the terms 'prognosis' and 'outcome' interchangeably. Psychiatrists tended to be more guarded in determining a prognosis than nurses. Both groups emphasized the importance of clinical experience in formulating views. However, nurses also discussed the role of the multidisciplinary team, whilst psychiatrists emphasized their reliance upon the scientific literature in shaping opinions. Participants identified information relevant for incorporating into future vignettes, to allow more informed research into literacy. The results of quantitative mental health literacy research should be interpreted with caution. Simplifying responses to allow comparative analysis is necessary, but masks more complex and important interpretations. Further qualitative research is recommended, the results of which can inform more comprehensive quantitative studies in the area.

Mental health literacy among Internet users

“…9 A quantitative design for measuring MHL may mask complex and important interpretations; open-ended qualitative data may be more helpful in identifying these interactions. 18 Unlike Wright and colleagues, we failed to find a marked influence of age on recognizing depression or psychosis. 12 In the present study, people attending university or equivalent education had the highest level of literacy in terms of depression and psychosis recognition, and therefore supports the hypothesis that there may be a relationship between education and MHL.…”

“…Females were no more likely to recognize psychosis than their male counterparts, which is consistent with an Australian study reporting no gender differences in recognizing psychosis 9 . A quantitative design for measuring MHL may mask complex and important interpretations; open‐ended qualitative data may be more helpful in identifying these interactions 18 …”

Models of care delivery in mental health nursing practice: a mixed method study

“…However, this strength is dependent upon recognition and respect for differences. An absence of recognition and respect for different approaches may generate conflict and misunderstandings (Chur‐Hansen et al . 2005).…”

“…However, this strength is dependent upon recognition and respect for differences. An absence of recognition and respect for different approaches may generate conflict and misunderstandings (Chur-Hansen et al 2005). Fulford & Colombo (2004) identified that differences in approaches and underpinning concep-tual models of disorder could frustrate a collaborative approach to care within and across agencies.…”