Using Q‐methodology to explore mental health nurses’ knowledge and skills to use recovery‐focused care to reduce aggression in acute mental health settings

Abstract

When nurses practise recovery‐focused care, they contribute positively to the consumer’s mental health recovery journey and empower the person to be actively engaged in the management of their illness. While using recovery‐focused care is endorsed in mental health policy, many health professionals remain uncertain about its application with consumers who have a risk for aggression during their admission to an acute mental health inpatient setting. This paper reports on Australian research using Q‐methodology that examined the knowledge and skill components of recovery‐focused care that nurses use to reduce the risk for aggression. The data from forty mental health nurses revealed five factors that when implemented as part of routine practice improved the recovery outcomes for consumers with risk of aggression in the acute mental health settings. These factors were as follows: (I) acknowledge the consumers’ experience of hospitalization; (II) reassure consumers who are going through a difficult time; (III) interact to explore the impact of the consumer’s negative lived experiences; (IV) support co‐production to reduce triggers for aggression; and (V) encourage and support consumers to take ownership of their recovery journey. These findings provide nurses with a pragmatic approach to use recovery‐focused care for consumers with risk for aggression and contribute positively to the consumers’ personal recovery.

Effect of recovery‐based interventions on recovery knowledge and attitudes of mental health professionals, regarding recovery‐oriented practice: A quantitative narrative review

“…Moreover, because recovery‐oriented practice facilitates collaborative partnerships, consumers are better supported to identify their own behaviour to take responsibility and modify behaviours for their personal recovery (Lim et al . 2017, 2020). Consumers have reported stronger therapeutic alliance with mental health professionals when they perceive they are experiencing recovery‐oriented services, with this also translating into higher levels of individual well‐being (Osborn & Stein 2019).…”

“…The workload demands on mental health professionals are considerable (Lim et al . 2020; McKeown et al . 2019; Slade et al .…”

“…Recovery‐oriented practice is focused on the well‐being of individuals diagnosed with mental illness so that consumers are encouraged to identify their well‐being goals and to effectively manage their illness (Lim et al . 2019, 2020). Although the recovery movement is recognized internationally, research focused on mental health professionals’ perception of recovery is limited (Nieminen & Kaunonen 2017).…”

“…However, evidence suggests that MHN are uncertain about the application of recovery‐oriented practice (Gale & Marshall‐Lucette 2012; Lim et al . 2020; McKenna et al . 2014).…”

Mental Health Nurses' attitudes towards mental illness and recovery‐oriented practice in acute inpatient psychiatric units: A non‐participant observation study

“…Therefore, one way to understand the incorporation of recovery-oriented practices in mental health is by observing authentic interactions in the clinical context (Waldemar et al, 2019). However, there are few studies focused on recovery-oriented practices in clinical settings (Lim et al, 2019(Lim et al, , 2020McKenna et al, 2014). Although several studies in Australia have focussed specifically on recovery-oriented practices in acute mental health settings to reduce consumer aggression.…”