EXPERIENCES OF PROFESSIONAL NURSES IN CARING FOR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS WITH DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Authors

  • Joan Dikobe North West Province Department of Health Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital
  • Eva Mofatiki Manyedi North West University Quality Office
  • Leepile Alfred Sehularo North West University School of Nursing Science

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/809

Keywords:

caring, dual diagnosis, professional nurses, psychiatric patients

Abstract

The care of psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis is a serious concern in the whole world including a psychiatric hospital in the North West Province of South Africa. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses in caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis in the North West Province of South Africa. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was followed to address the researcher’s concern. The target population consisted of professional nurses caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis. A non-probability sampling approach was used and participants were selected purposively based on the set selection criteria. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve professional nurses caring for patients with dual diagnosis in a psychiatric hospital. A tape recorder was used to record the interviews and was later transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed qualitatively using Tesch’s method of content analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. The findings of this study revealed that professional nurses have negative and positive experiences in caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis. Professional nurses made suggestions that can be used to improve the care of patients with dual diagnosis. The recommendations of this study may improve the care of patients with dual diagnosis in the North West Province of South Africa.

Keywords: caring, dual diagnosis, professional nurses, psychiatric patients

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Published

2016-04-21

How to Cite

Dikobe, Joan, Eva Mofatiki Manyedi, and Leepile Alfred Sehularo. 2016. “EXPERIENCES OF PROFESSIONAL NURSES IN CARING FOR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS WITH DUAL DIAGNOSIS”. Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery 18 (1):183-97. https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/809.

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Section

Articles
Received 2016-01-07
Accepted 2016-02-20
Published 2016-04-21