Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

Challenging Effects of Work Overload on Mental Health Practitioners in Nigeria’s Psychiatric Hospitals

Dorothy Aumbur Igbende, Leonsio Matagi & Florence Nansubuga

Abstract

This study examined work overload among mental health practitioners, the challenging circumstances and unique effects of these experiences on practitioners in mental health settings, as well as ways of reducing these devastating and discomforting situations to enable a conducive atmosphere for practitioners and their patients. The study created a comprehensive understanding of the practitioners’ experiences, using a phenomenological design on 28 participants from three mental health settings in Nigeria. Data was transcribed word for word, analyzed, and then displayed using a matrix, quotations, and causal networks. Findings from the study indicated that work overload was in the form of numerous patients and prescriptions, long working hours, talking a lot with patients, and long periods of standing/ sitting. Consequently, practitioners experienced diagnostic & prescription errors, failure to get rest/lunch breaks, illness conditions, aggression, fatigue, mental pressure, reduced concentration and brain function, inadequate performance and constant feelings of dissatisfaction and poor wellbeing. Work overload leads to discomforting experiences that are capable of causing stress and affecting the practitioners’ ability to handle their patients and other duties. Nevertheless, situations of excessive workload in psychiatric hospitals could be minimized by training the practitioners to have a positive mindset, encouraging teamwork, taking time to relax and lunch, and using a reliable duty roster. Also, more practitioners should be recruited, and adequate attention should be given to mental health hospitals, such as funding, establishing more facilities, and improving service conditions to enable practitioners to perform adequately.

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