Verbal and social interactions in the nurse–patient relationship in forensic psychiatric nursing care: a model and its philosophical and theoretical foundation

Abstract

The present paper focuses on the nurse-patient relationship in forensic psychiatric care. From research in the field six categories of nurse-patient interactions are identified: 'building and sustaining relationships', 'supportive/encouraging interactions', 'social skills training', 'reality orientation', 'reflective interactions' and 'practical skills training'. The content of each category of interaction in the context of forensic psychiatric care is described. A conceptual model is presented together with an empirical, philosophical and theoretical foundation for the use of verbal and social interactions in nurse-patient interactions in forensic psychiatric nursing care. The implications and possible uses of the model in the practical field of forensic psychiatric care are discussed.

Validation of the verbal and social interaction questionnaire for nursing students–The focus of nursing students in their relationship with patients

“…The contextual model of VSI [1] and the suitability of the 50 items in the original VSI questionnaire were discussed within the research group, consisting of eight members all working within nursing education (six registered nurses one social scientist and one physiologist). This discussion led to adjustments and re-wording of the items as well as the exclusion of two items that were more relevant for the psychiatric care context, thus resulting in a 48-item version of VSI-NS.…”

“…A further use of the questionnaire is for the assessment of the needs for in-house training among nurses in the psychiatric context. [1] This present study is part of a larger research project with the aim of studying the development of the interactional skills of nursing students during their education. Questionnaire development includes investigating what is actually measured when using a questionnaire and how it can be practically applied in the intended context.…”

“…The six categories in the original VSI questionnaire were: "To build and sustain relationships", "Supportive/encouraging interactions", "Social skills training", "Reality orientation", "Reflective interactions" and "Practical skills training". [1] The two first categories were described as the foundation for the other four categories. The conceptual model of VSI has been further tested by by using factor analysis.…”

“…[1,21,22] The interactions that take place in the relationship between the nurses and the patients have been conceptualised in the form of a model, based on theory and philosophy relevant to psychiatric care and a set of questionnaires has been developed, [1,22] termed Verbal and Social Interactions (VSI). The six categories in the original VSI questionnaire were: "To build and sustain relationships", "Supportive/encouraging interactions", "Social skills training", "Reality orientation", "Reflective interactions" and "Practical skills training".…”

“…The items in this questionnaire have been adjusted from the original VSI (developed for psychiatric care) [1] for the context of general care and to capture students' views on different nursing actions and skills during their education to nurses. The basic assumptions for this research are the nurses' willingness to meet the patients by being present, open and compliant, showing respect, supporting mutuality and caring for them.…”