Hashem Mestarihi

Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar

Title: Perceived Competency and Attitudes of Emergency Nurses Towards Patients Boarding in Emergency Departments with Psychiatric Illness: A Cross-Sectional Study in Qatar

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Biography

Hashem A. R. Mestarihi is Director of Nursing for the Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. His professional and research interests include emergency nursing, healthcare leadership, patient safety, workforce well-being, occupational stress, team dynamics, communication, and quality improvement. He has contributed to research and improvement initiatives addressing emergency care, nursing practice, mental health, and healthcare workforce development, with a focus on translating evidence into safer, higher-quality clinical practice.

Abstract

Boarding of patients with psychiatric illnesses in emergency departments (EDs) presents significant challenges for healthcare providers and may affect the quality and experience of care. This study assessed the perceived competency and attitudes of emergency nurses toward caring for patients with psychiatric illnesses boarding in the ED. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among emergency nurses working in four major public hospital EDs in Qatar. Data were collected using the Opening Minds Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC-15) and Behavioral Health Care Competency (BHCC) scale. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, t-tests, correlation, and multivariable regression analyses were performed. A total of 310 completed responses were analyzed. Emergency nurses demonstrated predominantly positive attitudes toward patients with mental illness, while perceived competency remained below the desired level, with a mean competency percentage score of 35.07 ± 25.73. Competency was significantly associated with age (P = 0.038) and facility (P = 0.014). Important training gaps were identified: 83.87% had no suicide-prevention training, 84.19% had no behavioral-therapy training, 69.68% had no mental-status-assessment training, and 54.19% had no training in managing assaultive behavior. Emergency nurses demonstrated positive attitudes toward patients with psychiatric illnesses; however, substantial gaps were identified in perceived behavioral healthcare competency and relevant training. Targeted continuing education, competency development, and organizational support are needed to strengthen emergency nurses’ preparedness and enhance the quality and experience of psychiatric care in EDs.