Standards for mental health specialists were unveiled on Wednesday, the aim being to combat the stigma surrounding psychiatric care as efforts to offer nurses support are stepped up.
Speaking during the launch of the set of 10 guidelines chosen by the Malta Association of Psychiatric Nurses, president Pierre Galea said that working in mental health was not an easy feat. This, he said, was especially true for psychiatric nurses, who not only had to deal with standard nursing practices but faced stigma on a daily basis.
READ: Malta still lacks psychiatric nurses
“The role of the psychiatric nurse can be somewhat complex. Sometimes people ask us about our role, and we ourselves cannot put into words what it involves.
“I hope these standards will help to describe our role in a simpler way while also providing those working in the sector with a set of important guidelines,” Mr Galea said.
The 10 guidelines should not serve to dictate how nurses worked, Mr Galea added, insisting that most of the standards were already standard practice for most nurses.
Those working in the mental health sector should strive to build therapeutic relationships to provide “optimum professional care” while also ensuring that the patients’ assessment is adequately carried out and a care plan is developed.
On managing crisis situations, the standards state that nurses should perform swift assessments and carry out interventions that diminish the potential for aggressive behaviour.
The standards also offer nurses guidelines on relapse prevention, suggesting that mental health be promoted in a positive way, with patients themselves, their families and the community.
Nurses are also encouraged to further their professional development by pursuing learning that increases their skill set.
The final three standards highlight the importance of providing ethical care, conducting research to support practice and understanding the legal implications as registered nurses working within the mental healthcare system in Malta. The new guidelines come ahead of the fourth Horatio European Festival of Psychiatric Nursing, taking place in Malta next month.