Postdisciplinarity in mental health‐care: an Australian viewpoint

This paper outlines some of the powerful forces progressively undermining the conceptual and practical foundations upon which the major disciplines have been established, and dissolving the boundaries which have traditionally distinguished them from each other, particularly those disciplines involved in the healthcare enterprise.

Abstract

This paper outlines some of the powerful forces progressively undermining the conceptual and practical foundations upon which the major disciplines have been established, and dissolving the boundaries which have traditionally distinguished them from each other, particularly those disciplines involved in the healthcare enterprise. It discusses some of the implications of these processes for mental health nursing, and champions a new cadre of 'postdisciplinary' staff, comprising a graduate generic mental healthcare worker and a postgraduate clinical specialist. It is argued that such a specialist --- a 'Generic Mental Health Worker' --- should be welcomed by all those who want to see improved quality of care in mental health services rather than defend a failing system.