EXPERIENCES OF PROFESSIONAL NURSES IN CARING FOR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS WITH DUAL DIAGNOSIS

The care of psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis is a serious global concern including a psychiatric hospital in the North West Province of South Africa. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses in caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis in the North West Province. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was followed to address the researchers' concerns. The target population consisted of professional nurses caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis. A non-probability sampling approach was used and participants were selected purposively based on the set selection criteria. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve professional nurses caring for patients with dual diagnosis in a psychiatric hospital. A tape recorder was used to record the interviews and were later transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed qualitatively using Tesch's method of content analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. The findings of this study revealed that professional nurses have negative and positive experiences in caring for psychiatric patients with dual diagnosis. Professional nurses made suggestions that can be used to improve the care of patients with dual diagnosis. The recommendations of this study may improve the care of patients with dual diagnosis in the North West Province.