Research calls for stronger nursing support in psychiatric hospitals in Ghana

Patients battling both substance use disorders and mental illness in psychiatric hospitals in Ghana often rely on nurses for long-term care and recovery support.

New research by Dr Frederick Nsatimba argues that these nurses need stronger institutional support, clearer care systems and better resources to improve treatment outcomes.

Dr Nsatimba, who recently graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences with Nursing Sciences from the North-West University (NWU), developed guidelines aimed at improving nursing care for patients with a dual diagnosis in psychiatric hospitals in Ghana. A dual diagnosis refers to patients living with both substance use disorders and mental illness.

The study identified several barriers affecting patient care, including shortages of resources, inadequate infrastructure, lack of standard operating procedures and limited patient involvement in care planning. The research also highlighted the role nurses play in supporting recovery and health promotion for patients with a dual diagnosis.

“Patients in the study described nursing care as being both supportive and challenging,” Dr Nsatimba said. “Many appreciated care that addressed their physical and mental health needs through counselling support, medication management and emotional care, but others reported experiences of stigma, dismissive staff attitudes and lack of empathy in psychiatric facilities.”

He said some patients felt excluded from decisions about their own treatment plans and pointed to poor infrastructure, broken furniture, lack of sanitary facilities and poor family involvement as barriers affecting recovery.

“Participants in the study called for stronger professional training for nurses, increased staffing and better communication between healthcare workers and patients,” he said. “They also emphasised the need for recovery-oriented mental healthcare systems that respect the dignity and autonomy of patients with a dual diagnosis.”

The newly developed guidelines are expected to help improve consistency in care, reduce the burden on psychiatric institutions and strengthen mental health services in Ghana.

Dr Nsatimba is a registered mental health nurse, academic and researcher with more than 20 years of experience in mental health practice, education and research. He lectures in the Department of Mental Health at the University of Cape Coast, where he contributes to the training of future mental health professionals.

His research interests focus on substance use disorders, addiction nursing, mental health systems and the relationship between mental health and chronic diseases. He also holds a Master of Public Health (Advanced) from Southern Cross University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana.

The doctoral study has already produced strong academic outputs. Dr Nsatimba published three articles from the thesis in the Q1-ranked journal BMC Nursing and another article in The Open Public Health Journal before graduating.

His co-supervisor from the NWU School of Nursing, Prof. Leepile Sehularo, said the achievement reflects the quality and impact of the research.

“Dr Nsatimba is my first student to publish four articles in reputable journals before graduation,” said Prof. Sehularo.

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