Implementation of evidence on the nurse-patient relationship in psychiatric wards through a mixed method design: study protocol

Abstract

BackgroundPsychiatric nurses are aware of the importance of the therapeutic relationship in psychiatric units. Nevertheless, a review of the scientific evidence indicates that theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient to establish an adequate therapeutic alliance. Therefore, strategies are required to promote changes to enhance the establishment of the working relationship. The aims of the study are to generate changes in how nurses establish the therapeutic relationship in acute psychiatric units, based on participative action research and to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of evidence through this method.Methods/DesignThe study will use a mixed method design. Qualitative methodology, through participative action research, will be employed to implement scientific evidence on the therapeutic relationship. A quasi-experimental, one-group, pre-test/post-test design will also be used to quantitatively measure the effectiveness of the implementation of the evidence. Participants will consist of nurses and patients from two psychiatric units in Barcelona. Nurses will be selected by theoretical sampling, and patients assigned to each nurses will be selected by consecutive sampling. Qualitative data will be gathered through discussion groups and field diaries. Quantitative data will be collected through the Working Alliance Inventory and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Qualitative data will be analysed through the technique of content analysis and quantitative data through descriptive and inferential statistics.DiscussionThis study will help to understand the process of change in a nursing team working in an inpatient psychiatric ward and will allow nurses to generate knowledge, identify difficulties, and establish strategies to implement change, as well as to assess whether the quality of the care they provide shows a qualitative improvement.

Relationship between the nursing practice environment and the therapeutic relationship in acute mental health units: A cross‐sectional study

“…However, only 1% of the sample in this study had a doctorate and most did not have a specialist qualification in mental health. These findings agree with those of other studies performed in mental health units (Farmakas et al ; Kurjenluoma et al ; Roche et al ), indicating the need to increase awareness of evidence‐based practice and promote its implementation to enhance the factors contributing to a high‐quality TR (Moreno‐Poyato et al ). The TR could also be enhanced by greater nursing experience, more security and self‐confidence among nurses and therefore greater perception of an adequate TR with their patients.…”

“…Moreover, there is evidence that a good TR is associated with better health outcomes for patients, enhances the effectiveness of interventions in inpatient mental health care, and improves both patients’ well‐being and experience (Moreno‐Poyato et al ). It also helps to maintain a recovery‐oriented focus and reduces professionals’ stress levels (Molin et al ).…”

The Related Factors of Phlebitis Among Low Birth Weight Infants in Perinatology Ward

“… 19 In another study, the clinical experience of infusion insertion significantly affected the duration of peripheral intravenous cannulation therapy. 20 Studies have also demonstrated that there is a significant correlation between nurses’ knowledge about infusion therapy and phlebitis incidences. 14 In contrast, a study on neonates in New Zealand stated that the discipline of the inserter might not be the factor causing the peripheral intravenous complication.…”

The effects of group discussion and self-learning on nursing students' civility

“…[ 1 ] It is a widespread problem in the nursing schools. [ 2 ] This phenomenon is evidenced by discourteous, disruptive, indelicate behaviors that appears in action, speech or body gestures. [ 3 ] Rate of academic incivility has reached a high level in recent years.…”