ABSTRACT
Taking into consideration the increase in the number of people, this chapter examines the relationship between long-term conditions and mental health and explores the role of the community nurse. Community nurses are involved with a range of care provision including support and care for patients who are unwell, including those with end-of-life care needs, as well as supporting independence and self-care. Having explored the relationship between physical and mental health, it is important to examine mental health assessment tools and consider how they can be used by community nurses. The community nurse may not have specialist mental health skills and knowledge but is likely to know the individual circumstances of the person and their family and is well placed to undertake an initial assessment and identify the level of need. The core skills required for motivational interviewing – asking, listening and informing – are within the repertoire of expert communication skills utilised by community nurses.
