Att få personlig vägledning — patienters erfarenheter av mötet med en psykiatrisjuksköterska inom primärvården

Long-term sick-leave and primary health consultations for reasons of mental ill-health has increased dramatically in Sweden during the last years. The aim of this study was to get a deeper understanding of patients' experiences of meeting a psychiatric nurse in primary health care. The findings are based on qualitative interviews with 19 out-patients with depression, anxiety and worrying. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and showed three categories; Knowledge, Support, and Time and closeness. Knowledge was both general and personal which the nurse adapted to the individual patients needs, problems and recourses. Support was practical in e.g. promoting advances in daily life and referring to other health care professionals. Support was also emotional in providing opportunities to share thoughts and feelings with another human being. Time and closeness were both factual and experienced. To «get nursing time» was seen as an invitation to talk and think without disturbances in a peaceful and quiet environment nearby. Together these categories constituted the theme: «To get personal guidance». The psychiatric nurse vas described as a unique, experienced and competent person who paid attention to the informants' specific conditions and struggle for better health.