Assessing the educational needs of mental health nurses working in an adolescent inpatient psychiatric ward in Japan.

PROBLEM In Japan, preregistration education is not sufficient to prepare nurses to work as child adolescent mental health nurses. METHODS Nominal group technique (NGT) using focus group discussions, and Knowles' Adult Learning Theory, were used to examine the continuing educational needs of nurses in a Japanese adolescent mental health unit. FINDINGS Nurses caring for adolescent patients with mental health issues need continuing education. This research demonstrates the utility of nominal group technique in needs analysis in this context. CONCLUSIONS Educational priorities include instruction on patients' developmental stage, promoting patient self-sufficiency, and strategies for meeting the needs of families. A family-centered care approach is recommended.