Public Health Nursing (PHN)
HOME VISIT TO A CLIENT WITH MENTAL DISORDER
This is a visit to a client with mental disorder by the Public/Community health nurse in the home.
Purpose
- Assess progress of health and continuity of treatment
- Assist client to live an independent life and contribute to society
- Encourage client and family to honour follow up visits and adhere to prescribed medication
- Counsel client and family on social isolation, stigma and misconceptions about the condition
Indications
- Client requires a client with mental disorder assessment or care.
Equipment
- Refer to items in the well-equipped home visiting bag
- Map of the area/community
- Records of the client manually/electronically
- Register of the area/community
- Arrange for transportation
Preparation
- Review client records and history.
- Gather necessary equipment and supplies.
- Plan the visit timing and logistics.
Procedure steps
- Read map of the community
- Knock, enter, greet and introduce self
- Explain the purpose of visit and ensure confidentiality
- Observe environment for cleanliness, safety and comment
- Assess client’s/family’s knowledge about the condition
- Assist client to identify health needs
- Check and use items in the home visit bag
- Interview and counsel on:
- Health of client and family
- Medication and regular check-ups/visit by community psychiatric nurse
- Schooling/occupation
- Personal health
- Diet
Precautions
- Maintain infection prevention and control measures throughout.
- Respect client privacy and confidentiality.
- Ensure cultural sensitivity and dignity.
- Refer or escalate when complications arise.
Aftercare
- Evaluate client response to interventions.
- Schedule follow-up as needed.
- Ensure client understands care plan.
Nursing considerations
- Adapt care to client's unique circumstances.
- Involve family members as appropriate.
- Consider social determinants of health.
Patient education
- Provide condition-specific health education.
- Teach self-care strategies where applicable.
- Reinforce importance of follow-up.
Documentation
- Record all assessments and findings.
- Document interventions provided.
- Note client education given.
- Report any referrals made.
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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