S.TRUEMAN PhD THESIS 2016

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Abstract

Aim:

The aim of this study was to examine the social world of generalist nurses

delivering mental healthcare in remote Australia. Background:

Of Australia’s population of approximately 25 million, one in five will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. People who live in remote Australia are significantly more likely than those in urban areas to experience a mental illness or substance use disorder, or to commit suicide. Commentators have suggested that the higher prevalence of mental health problems in remote communities is a reflection of socioeconomic disadvantage, a harsher natural and social environment, loneliness and isolation. The more remote from metropolitan centres, the less specialised mental health services, investment, funding and infrastructure are available to care for the mentally ill. Correspondingly, the specialised mental health workforce, across all disciplines and professions, rapidly declines with remoteness. This workforce maldistribution results in a situation where the largest permanent health workforce in remote Australia are generalist nurses. Remote nurses work in isolated communities and are regularly exposed to stressful and dangerous conditions. They are oldest cohort of Australian nurses and work the longest hours per week. Research has reported that remote nurses have low self-perceived levels of competency, confidence and skills when caring for mental health patients, particularly when confronted by violent and aggressive mental health presentations.