9
One participant indicated that he had seen many patients and had no figures. Of the kinds
of treatment offered by the counsellors, counselling was the most frequent.
Treatment given
Counselling
Medication
Other
10
8
2
The majority [10] recommended this training to be part of all nurse training, whilst a
small number thought the contrary [2]. A variety of reasons were offered for the
recommendation, and a selection of their responses is shown below.
“It equips one with the necessary skills in dealing with torture
victims.”
“Helps in use of resources i.e., we won’t prescribe unnecessary drugs
in cases where counselling only can be effective.”
“Every nurse meets a patient who needs counselling so it is easier
when one has the skills instead of referring to nurses who did a
counselling course who may be off duty.”
“These skills should be incorporated into their training as nurses come
across torture, rape and psychiatric patients.”
“It enhances proper management of a patient using a holistic
approach.”
“It is useful in detection of anxiety and depression.”
“Psychological problems can then be identified within the
Community.”
“A good guidance to correct diagnosis preventing patients from
shopping around seeking treatment.”
“A lot of patients seen present with psychological problems but nurses
do not know how to manage them accurately.”
“Counselling training gives the nurse an understanding of human
behaviour and opens up channels of assisting clients with satisfaction
and confidence.”
AMANI also attempted to examine whether there were any differences between the two
groups - those would have undergone AMANI training and those who had not - in their
attitudes to mental health and patients with psychological disorders. This seemed useful
since there is a large body of research indicating that attitudes are directly related to both
detection of psychological disorder as well as determining whether health workers are
motivated to manage psychological disorders13. Additionally the type of management
preferred by health workers in the management of psychological disorders has been
shown to be a function of attitudes14.
Two questionnaires were administered: the Direction of Interest Questionnaire (DIQ) and
the Attitudes to Treatment Questionnaire (ATQ). The DIQ is a personality inventory
13
See Goldberg & Huxley.[1980], Mental illness in the Community. LONDON; TAVISTOCK
14
See Caine et al.1977, Personal Styles in Neurosis: Implications for Small Group Psychotherapy and Behaviour Therapy, LONDON:
ROUTLEDGE & KEGAN PAUL.
Training nurses in the assessment and management of psychological disorders: Report of AMANI Trust’s
programme in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe.