Building and maintaining effective therapeutic relationships between nurses and patients is a cornerstone of mental health care. However, developing these relationships can be challenging. Recent research by Hartley et al. (2020) provides valuable insights into interventions that can improve these relationships, although the evidence base remains limited. Here, we explore key findings from their systematic review and offer practical tips for enhancing therapeutic alliances in mental health settings.
Key Findings from the Research
The systematic review identified several interventions aimed at improving the nurse-patient therapeutic alliance. These interventions include:
- Training programs focusing on psychological formulation and understanding patient behavior.
- Reflective groups where nurses can discuss their experiences and strategies.
- Shared activities and protected time for nurse-patient interactions.
- Collaborative care programs involving structured team approaches.
Despite these varied approaches, the review found that only half of the studies reported statistically significant improvements in therapeutic alliances. The quality of the evidence was also predominantly weak, indicating a need for more robust research in this area.
Practical Tips for Practitioners
Based on the findings, here are some practical tips for practitioners looking to enhance their therapeutic relationships with patients:
- Engage in Continuous Training: Participate in workshops and training sessions that focus on psychological formulation and understanding patient behavior.
- Utilize Reflective Practices: Join or form reflective groups where you can discuss challenges and strategies with your peers.
- Create Shared Activities: Dedicate protected time for engaging in shared activities with patients to build rapport and understanding.
- Adopt a Collaborative Approach: Work within a structured team framework to ensure consistent and comprehensive care for patients.
Encouraging Further Research
The review by Hartley et al. (2020) highlights the need for more high-quality research to develop effective interventions for improving therapeutic alliances. Practitioners are encouraged to engage with ongoing research and contribute to the evidence base by participating in studies and sharing their experiences.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Effective nurse–patient relationships in mental health care: A systematic review of interventions to improve the therapeutic alliance.
