Medication management in mental health: nurses’ perceptions of their work with service users and carers

Aim: This study aimed to ascertain registered mental health nurses’ perceptions of their role involving medication management interventions with clients and their carers. Medicine-related interventions include administration, assessment of therapeutic effect potential side-effects education, liaison with service users and influence in prescribing decisions.
Design and methods: The study used a qualitative design. Ten registered nurses were interviewed.
Findings: Three themes were identified all related to the nurse context of work, role and client and carer need: improved dialogue, information and education, and adherence issues.
Practice implications: Nurses use their clinical expertise in medication management to help achieve optimum therapeutic outcomes.