Assessing the impact of training on mental health nurses’ therapeutic attitudes and knowledge about co-morbidity: A randomised controlled trial

Substance misuse can trigger or be causally associated with mental health problems. Therapeutic attitude is important in predicting effective engagement with people with alcohol and drug problems but health professionals’ attitudes towards this client group are often negative. Education regarding substance misuse has often been neglected and nurses may lack knowledge to provide appropriate care. A randomised controlled trial was conducted to test the impact of training for staff who work with people who have co-existing mental health and substance use problems. The training programme was effective in improving the therapeutic attitudes of participants to working with clients who have co-existing mental health and substance use problems, both immediately after the training was delivered, and at six-months follow-up. It was also effective in improving participants’ overall knowledge of alcohol, drugs and co-morbidity.