Developing the nursing role Resources

This article explores the development of mental health first aid (MHFA) training and how the principles of first aid can be applied with a person experiencing mental health distress. MHFA was designed to reduce mental health stigma and improve the public’s awareness, but is suitable for nurses to complete to enhance their first aid response to both physical and mental health situations. This article seeks to encourage nurses to undertake MHFA training.

Vari Drennan reflects on a visit to South Africa and shares her learning experiences in comparing and contrasting the experiences of nurses in other health care systems which could benefit nurses in the UK.
Acknowledgements are made to the British Council for supporting this opportunity and to the many individuals at University of Cape Town and University of the Transkei who made it possible.

Vari Drennan, MSc, BSc. RGN, RGV, PGCEA is a Senior Lecturer in Primary Care Nursing, Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free & University College Medical School, London.
Article accepted for publication May 2002.