[Profiles and Characteristics of Mental Health Nurses in Community-Based Health Care for People with Mental Illness - Integrative Review and Thematic Framework Analysis].

OBJECTIVE

To examine the specific scope of practice of community mental health nurses (CMHNs) across CMHN roles and care contexts.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches in CINAHL, PubMed/Medline, Google and Google Scholar, supplemented by a search of various publishers' databases. Data were analyzed and synthesized using the framework analysis method.

RESULTS

This paper identifies two role profiles in CMHN practice that describe distinct functions in the outpatient care of people with mental illness: (A) Primary Care CMHN and (B) Specialized Care CMHN. For each role profile, contextual factors and specific role content are described and analyzed for similarities and differences.

CONCLUSIONS

The described role profiles can serve as a template for the development of curricula in the field of CMHN. It is important to consider the national context as well as the current and future need for psychosocial care.