Mental Health Nurses’ Attitudes towards Consumers with co-Existing Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Problems: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Consumers with co-existing mental health and drug/alcohol problems are exposed to more stigma than those with any other health problems. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the available literature regarding mental health nurses' attitudes, empathy, and caring efficacy towards consumers with a dual diagnosis. Twenty studies reported outcomes regarding nurse attitudes; however, none reported nurses' empathy or caring efficacy towards consumers with a dual diagnosis. Further research is required to advance the evidence on the impact of mental health nurses' attitudes, empathy and caring effectiveness, and the outcomes should lead to improved service delivery for consumers with a dual diagnosis.

Acknowledgments

The authors want to acknowledge the contributions from Jess Tyndall, Head Librarian, Torrens University Australia and Carlie Nekrasov, Liaison Librarian, Federation University Australia.

Authorship statement

All authors listed meet the authorship criteria in keeping with the latest guidelines of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, and all the authors agree with the manuscript.

Disclosure of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Roopalal Anandan was supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend and RTP Fee-Offset Scholarship through Federation University Australia.