The objective of this study was to conduct a needs assessment to determine the skills and knowledge necessary for psychiatric nurses to function effectively as members of a multidisciplinary team. Literature was reviewed regarding the unique aspects of nursing and needs assessments. Five common methods of needs assessment were discussed. Two specific methods--the nominal group technique and the Delphi technique--were discussed, compared, and contrasted. The nominal group technique, with ratings on a Likert-type scale, was utilized with 27 nurses from five health care facilities. The study resulted in a list of 23 skills and another of 26 areas of knowledge.

The results of this needs assessment indicated that communication skills were seen as very important to all respondents. Other skills most nurses saw as important were interactive skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, problem solving/decision making, safe environment, and ability to prioritize/differentiate. The lowest rated skills were risk taking, technical skills, program planning, and staff scheduling.