Effect of stigma and power imbalances on people with mental health conditions in general hospitals

Around one third of patients in general hospital settings will have a comorbid mental health condition, meaning that general nurses will likely be required to support a person with mental health issues at some point in their everyday practice. However, people with mental health conditions can experience social stigma and differential treatment when admitted to general hospital wards. This article explores the power structures that may be experienced by patients with mental health issues in general hospitals and how widely held biases about mental health can influence nurses’ clinical decision-making. The author also discusses how nurse educators should provide more mental health information during adult preregistration nurse education programmes to dismantle the stigma and biased attitudes often experienced by patients with mental health issues.