S.TRUEMAN PhD THESIS 2016

xiv

Method: A single, explanatory, revelatory case study design, utilising a holistic approach, was employed in this study. Qualitative data were collected in semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face or via telephone ( n = 30). The data were subjected to interpretive thematic analysis. Findings from the thematic analysis were combined with secondary data sources relevant to the case and subjected to situational analysis (Clarke, 2005) using messy, ordered and relational maps to construct a social world/arena map of the remote nurses’ social world in delivering mental healthcare. Actor-network theory was employed to analyse the relationships between actors (human and non-human), which consisted of both individuals and groups within the remote nurses’ social world. Findings: Three major findings arose from the study. First, under the actor-network analysis, when delivering mental healthcare, remote nurses assume the role of the obligatory passage point; second, remote nurses have low self-perceived levels of mental healthcare skills, abilities and confidence; and remote nurses possess unique characteristics that enable them to stay and function in the case environment. Conclusion: There exists substantial demand for mental health services in remote Australia. The delivery of such services must overcome many barriers. Central to the success of mental healthcare delivery are remote generalist nurses. This study revealed new insights into the complex and fluid social worlds of remote generalist nurses delivering mental healthcare. The study also found that remote nurses have unique characteristics, both individually and as a group, that enable them to remain in their social world and deliver front-line services.