Provision of care for older people with co-morbid mental illness in general hospitals: general nurses' perceptions of their training needs.

INTRODUCTION

There are high levels of co-morbid mental illness amongst older people in general hospitals; this study explored the training needs of general nurses to care for this group.

METHOD

Focus groups with general nurses were analysed using framework analysis.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

Nurses wanted training, but did not believe that training alone was sufficient to improve care, expressing that more integrated working between acute and mental health services was also needed. Liaison mental health services provide a way to deliver both training and a more integrated service.