Public Health Nurses’ Support Based on the Perspective of the Viability among Residents with Schizophrenia Who Are Untreated or with Interrupted Treatment

Abstract

Objective: To clarify the public health nurses’（PHNs’）support in terms of the viability among residents with schizophrenia in the local community, who are untreated or with interrupted treatment.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 PHNs experienced in mental health and welfare counseling at municipal public health centers: transcripts of the interviews were analyzed qualitatively.

Results: Nine categories and 42 subcategories were extracted as PHNs’ support in terms of viability. The PHNs identified the viability in the context of relationships built in the following categories: “Being a person who residents can consult peacefully,” “sensing crisis of family members,” “persistently dealing with problems,” and “accepting the existence of psychiatric symptoms.” The PHNs also “identified residents’ ability to live their lives” by continuously engaging with residents in their own environment. Moreover, the PHNs actively expanded the scope of residents’ lifestyle and connected them with treatment after ascertaining their viability by “courteously introducing them to medical services,” “arranging treatment systems to enable them to lead stable lives at home,” “maintaining PHNs’ involvement with residents,” and “coordinating with the next supporters to help rebuild residents’ lifestyles” in a manner suited to their viability.

Discussion: The present findings suggest that the support for the schizophrenia residents who are untreated or with interrupted treatment focused on viability: “identifying the ability of residents to live their lives.” This viability is considered to be important for them to live in a local community.