Experiences of professional nurses in caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis in a public psychiatric hospital in North West Province of South Africa

Abstract

Dual diagnosis is a serious concern in the whole world and very little is known about the care of psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses in caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis in order to make recommendations that can assist them in improving care for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis in psychiatric hospital in the North West Province of South Africa. A qualitative exploratory- descriptive research design was used in this study. Unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve professional nurses caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis in a psychiatric hospital in the North West Province of South Africa. The target population of this study consisted of professional nurses caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis in a psychiatric hospital in the North West Province of South Africa. A non-probability sampling approach was used and participants were selected purposively based on the selection criteria. The sample size was determined by data saturation. 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. Emerging themes were negative experiences about caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis, positive experiences about caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis and suggestions for caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis. Emerging themes were examined in line with the objectives of the study and confirmed through the literature control. The findings of this study revealed that professional nurses need to have the knowledge and skills to care for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis in a psychiatric hospital in the North West Province of South Africa. The recommendations of this study were made in regards to nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research.