'Therapy as well as the tablets': an exploratory study of service users' views of community mental health nurses' (CMHNs) responses to hearing voices.

Full Abstract

Mental health nurses have traditionally been discouraged from engaging with service users' experiences of hearing voices and to reinforce reality. However, this may not be a helpful way of intervening in what can be a very distressing symptom. There is little evidence of service users' experiences of community mental health nurses' (CMHNs) responses to their voices. This paper presents the findings of an exploratory interview study of a sample (n = 20) of service users to ascertain their perception of CMHN responses to their experience of hearing voices. Data are both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Content analysis of the qualitative elements of the study suggests responses can be conceptualized as facilitators, barriers and attributions. CMHNs are considered to be allies and the quality of the relationship is deemed important. The therapeutic repertoire of CMHNs, however, is seen as limited and rarely extends beyond facilitating access to the psychiatrist for review of medication.

Author information

Author/s: Coffey, M (M); Higgon, J (J); Kinnear, J (J);

Affiliation: School of Health Science, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. m.j.coffey(-atsign-)swansea.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing (J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2004-Aug; vol 11 (issue 4) : pp 435-44

Dates: Created 2004/07/16; Completed 2004/09/30; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 15255918, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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