Conclusion
While assessment is the foundation of mental health nursing, no previous research has identified what is actually involved in contemporary mental health nursing assessment in practice. This study identified common processes undertaken during comprehensive mental health assessments by nurses with a range of experience. A better understanding of the process of a mental health nursing assessment and its part in producing a comprehensive mental health nursing assessment will support education, research and improvements in the quality of that assessment and ultimately the delivery of nursing care.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the nurses who participated in the study.