Community Mental Health Nursing in Saudi Arabia: Current and Future Challenges.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the current and future challenges that facing the application of community mental health nursing in Saudi Arabia. A consensus obtained by the experts. A Delphi method was used in this research. This approach has prepared ground work for educators, researchers and practitioners in future understanding perspectives of expertise about the current and future challenges for community mental health nursing in Saudi Arabia. The data was collected over three rounds, the first round the researcher utilized three open-ended questions questionnaire. Fallowing the content analysis of the open-ended questions (86) were elicited 34 on the current challenges, 26 on the potential future challenges and 26 on the suggested methods on how to start implementing it. A 29 items questionnaire was then constructed with the three categories and were utilized during the second and third round of the study. The initial study sample included 9 males and 6 females, Saudi and non-Saudi, clinical or academic workers of those who hold master degree or PHD in psychiatric nursing. During the second and third round only N= 10 and N= 8 of the experts agreed to continue in participating in the study.  The results of the study showed that consensus among the experts were reached on 18 elements with agreement level of 70% or more. 5 of them on the current challenges, 3 on the potential future challenges and 10 on the suggested methods on how to start implementing the community mental health nursing. In conclusion, it was apparent that the expert panel believes there are many elements that shape the challenges facing the community mental health nursing and other elements that should be considered when applying the program.