Dissertation
An Ethnographic Examination of the Influences on the Relationship between Mental Health Triage Nurses and Emergency Department Triage Nurses
Doctor of Philosophy, Central Queensland University
2011
Abstract
Emergency Departments are increasingly the focal point of primary access to mental health services by clients with a mental illness. Developments in the initial emergency triage assessment are inextricably linked to improving the process of triage, where clients are assessed and referred to specialist mental health services. This ethnographic study examined the interdisciplinary relationships between emergency department triage nurses and mental health triage nurses for clients presenting with a mental illness. Using an ethnographic methodology, time was spent in an Australian Emergency Department and Mental Health Triage Service. Participant observation, individual and group interviews, organisational documentation and field notes were used to gather data that was analysed using the constant comparative method. Four key themes were identified from this research. The practice environment, the process of triage assessment, referral and response, the roles and scope of practice and collegiate presence were influential factors in the relationship between the two participant groups. Research findings conclude that culturally disparate groups cannot develop a functional and collaborative working relationship without a deep understanding of, and appreciation for, each other's culture. Developing such a relationship requires collegiate presence that is built on communication, mindfulness, education and time spent together to develop a practice community.
Details
- Title
- An Ethnographic Examination of the Influences on the Relationship between Mental Health Triage Nurses and Emergency Department Triage Nurses
- Authors
- Marc Broadbent (Author) - Central Queensland University
- Awarding institution
- Central Queensland University
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Handle
- 10018/920286
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448889402621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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