A comparative study of the perceptions of British mental health nurses andpsychiatrists of their work environment

This comparative study of the perceptions of mental health nurses and psych iatrists about aspects of their work environment was undertaken in the West Midlands in England. The aim of the study was to ascertain the extent to w hich the environment in which mental health professionals' work impacts on their own mental and physical well-being. Seventy-four psychiatrists and 30 1 mental health nurses responded to a postal questionnaire. Analysis of dat a indicated that significant differences exist between nurses and psychiatr ists in their working conditions, their physical working environment, their sources of support with a work-related problem, and the effects of their w ork on their own mental and physical health. The main recommendation derive d from this study was to improve communication between mental health profes sionals and their managers by giving more structured feedback and guidance about one's work performance. This may help to alleviate the mental strain many mental health professionals experience in their work.