Implementing child-focused family nursing into routine adult psychiatric practice: hindering factors evaluated by nurses.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to describe nurses' evaluations of factors that are hindering implementation of child-focused family nursing (CF-FN) into adult psychiatric practice. In addition, it explains the nurses' evaluations of the hindering factors related to the hospital organizational structure, the individual nurse, nursing and family.

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing amount of families with dependent children in adult psychiatry. Although these families have long-term benefits from preventive family interventions, implementation of CF-FN is not routine mental health practice.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were collected via a questionnaire-survey completed by Registered Psychiatric Nurses (n = 223) and practical Mental Health Nurses (n = 88) from 45 adult psychiatric units in five Finnish university hospitals. The response rate was 51%.

RESULTS

Family-related factors, such as families' fears and lack of time, were considered as 'most hindering' to CF-FN. Nurses who used a family-centred approach and had further family education considered most of the factors as 'less hindering' in comparison to other nurses.

CONCLUSION

To meet the needs of the families in mental health services, it is essential to develop nursing intervention methods such as CF-FN. There is a need for further education and use of family-centred care to develop this preventive approach.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The results of this study could be considered when developing mental health services and family interventions for families with parental mental illness.