The meaning of the recovery process and its stages for people attending a mental health day hospital: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to explore the meaning of the recovery process and its stages from the perspective of people attending a mental health day hospital. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study was carried out. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people attending a mental health day hospital. The data were analysed deductively by means of content analysis. RESULTS: The participants described the recovery process as a process based on three pillars; the attitude towards recovery, hardship, and the effort required throughout the process. Regarding the stages of recovery, for the participants in the first stage of the process (Moratorium), the search for hope was the most important element. In the second stage (Awareness), the reestablishment of their identity, through the acceptance of the consequences derived from the mental health problem, together with being able to feel full and fulfilled, were the most outstanding elements. In the third stage (Preparation), participants highlighted the search for meaning in life, facing their fears and the process with an open mind. Finally, the last two stages (Rebuilding and Growth) were related to taking responsibility and empowerment for recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide insight into the perception of the recovery process and its stages in people attending a mental health day hospital. These findings may contribute to aligning the nurse-patient perspective, helping nurses to understand the key elements of patients according to their stage of recovery, and thus be able to subsequently individualise interventions. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study was based on interviews with 15 patients receiving treatment at an adult mental health day hospital. This study would not have been possible without their participation.

Perspectives of adult patients with mental health disorders on the relationship with nurses: a focus group study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the nurse and the patient with mental health disorder is crucial to the recovery process. Thus, patients with mental health disorders should be active subjects in this relationship by having autonomy and self-determination. METHODS: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of adult patients with mental health disorders on the relationship with nurses. A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted in March 2023, using focus group meetings in an association to support patients with severe mental health disorders in the Northern region of Portugal. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). A total of 8 patients participated in the study. Two focus group meetings were conducted. The inductive method was used, and content analysis of the transcripts was performed. The QDA Miner Lite 4.0 and Microsoft Excel were used for content analysis. RESULTS: Participants considered the relationship with nurses important for their recovery and expected nurses to provide support and help, being able to identify their needs, thus personalising their care. Attitudinal and communication aspects were also considered crucial for establishing a solid, trusting, and meaningful relationship. CONCLUSION: According to the findings nursing care is expected to focus on the patient, his/her preferences, expectations, and the uniqueness of each individual. The results of this study may be useful for the reflection and improvement of nurses in their relational and communication skills and the driving force for nursing students' awareness of the perspective of the relationship with patients with mental health disorder and its relevance.

Validating a measure for eco-anxiety in Portuguese young adults and exploring its associations with environmental action.

BACKGROUND: Worsening environmental conditions may amplify people's emotional responses to an environmental crisis (eco-anxiety). In Portugal, young people seem to be especially concerned about climate change. However, this phenomenon needs to be interpreted using accurate instruments. Thus, this study aimed to validate the Portuguese version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS) in young adults and examine the associations among eco-anxiety, sociodemographic characteristics, and pro-environmental behaviours. METHODS: A survey was administered to 623 Portuguese university students aged between 18 and 25 years. The survey included our Portuguese translation of the HEAS (obtained through a back-translation and pretesting process), a sociodemographic assessment, and questions related to pro-environmental behaviours. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the construct validity of the Portuguese version of the HEAS, and global fit indices were used to assess whether the original four-dimensional structure of the scale was reproduced. The reliability of the Portuguese version of the HEAS was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Measurement invariance examined sex differences in scale interpretation. Linear regressions were used to detect whether sociodemographic variables predict eco-anxiety and whether eco-anxiety predicts pro-environmental behaviours. RESULTS: The factorial structure of the original scale was replicated in the Portuguese version of the HEAS, showing good internal consistency, reliability over time and strict invariance between men and women. A higher paternal education level predicted greater eco-anxiety in children. Two dimensions of eco-anxiety-namely, rumination and anxiety about personal impacts on the environment-predicted higher engagement in pro-environmental behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: The translated scale is an appropriate tool to measure eco-anxiety in the Portuguese context and should be used to collect evidence to drive environmental and health policies. An individual's education level should be considered a determinant of their emotional response to environmental conditions. Importantly, eco-anxiety can act as a protective emotional response to preserving the planet.

A systematic review on the use of action research methods in mental health nursing care.

AIMS: To identify and synthesize evidence on the use of action research methods in mental health nursing care. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched in January 2021. REVIEW METHODS: Data were selected using the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis framework. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection, and quality appraisal using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, data extraction and data analysis procedures. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, half of which used participatory action research, were included in this review. Nurses, along with other stakeholders, were an active part of the action research process. The main topics of interest addressed were categorized as improving the adoption of a person-centred approach to care and improving decision-making procedures. The use of action research helped the participants to identify the meaning they attached to the topic of interest to be improved. Moreover, this method helped to identify needs and strategies for improving care. The studies concurred that the use of action research enabled participants to gain awareness, improve attitudes and acquire knowledge. In addition, it enabled participants to gain confidence and security in the group context, as key aspects of their empowerment. CONCLUSION: This review shows the usefulness of action research in any mental health nursing context, contributing to the improvement of care at both the individual and collective levels. IMPACT: This paper demonstrates the use of the action research method in the field of mental health nursing. Its use has improved the clinical practice of nurses as well as that of teams in both community and hospital settings, addressing issues of the person-centred approach to care and decision-making procedures.

The therapeutic relationship at the heart of nursing care: A participatory action research in acute mental health units.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the process of change within the clinical practice of nurses in mental health inpatient units in the context of a participatory process to improve the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. DESIGN: Participatory Action Research. METHODS: Ninety-six nurses from 18 mental health units participated. Data were collected through focus groups and reflective diaries between March 2018 and January 2020. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. The COREQ guidelines were used. RESULTS: The research process was carried out through two cycles of four stages each in which the nurses were able to identify the facilitating and limiting elements of their practice in relation to the therapeutic relationship. They then proposed two consensual improvement strategies for all the units, which they called reserved therapeutic space and postincident analysis. Finally, they implemented and evaluated the two strategies for change. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that, despite the different cultural and structural realities of the participating units, it is possible to implement a collaborative process of change, provided the needs and expectations of both the participants and the organisations are similar. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results obtained through Participatory Action Research were directly transferred to clinical practice, thus having an impact on individual nurses and patients, as well as on the collective dynamics of the teams and aspects related to the management of the units. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patient or public input is not directly applicable to this study. Patients were recipients of the changes that were occurring in the nurses as part of their daily clinical practice.

Exploring the therapeutic relationship through the reflective practice of nurses in acute mental health units: A qualitative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the therapeutic relationship through the reflective practice of nurses in acute mental health units. BACKGROUND: In mental health units, the therapeutic relationship is especially relevant for increasing the effectiveness of nursing interventions. Reflective practice is considered an essential aspect for improving nursing care. DESIGN: Action and observation stages of a participatory action research project. METHODS: Data were collected through reflective diaries designed for the guided description and reflection of practice interactions related to the therapeutic relationship and content analysis was applied. A total of 152 nurses from 18 acute mental health units participated. The COREQ guidelines were used. RESULTS: The results were classified into three categories as follows: (i) Nursing attitude as a core of the therapeutic relationship. For the nurses, the attitudinal component was key in the therapeutic relationship. (ii) Nursing practices that are essential to the therapeutic relationship. Nurses identified practices such as creating a conducive environment, using an appropriate verbal approach, offering help and working together with the patient as essential for establishing a therapeutic relationship in practice. (iii) Contextual factors affecting the therapeutic relationship. The nurses considered the patient's condition, the care dynamics of the unit and its regulations, as well as the structure and environment of the unit, as contextual factors involved the establishment of an adequate therapeutic relationship in daily clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: This study has provided knowledge of the importance and role of the nurses' attitude in the context of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship based on the reflections of nurses in mental health units regarding their own practice. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These findings help nurses to increase awareness and develop improvement strategies based on their own knowledge and day-to-day difficulties. Moreover, managers can evaluate strategies that promote motivation and facilitate the involvement of nurses to improve the therapeutic relationship with patients.

Nurses' promotion of Mental Health First Aid Training Programmes for upper secondary students: a modified Delphi approach.

BACKGROUND: Mental Health First Aid Training Programmes can be carried out by nurses in schools. Adolescents have reported the importance of these interventions, the contents to be addressed, and intervention strategies that should be used. Mental health nurses have also discussed the characteristics of these training programmes. This study sought to create a consensus on the features of Mental Health First Aid Training Programmes promoted by nurses aimed at upper secondary students. METHODS: A descriptive mixed method study was developed using the modified e-Delphi technique. Original statements on the topic were drawn from the results section of previous studies with nurses and adolescents. The statements were included in a structured online questionnaire. An expert panel of 78 mental health nurses participated in the two-rounds online survey from October to December 2021. Absolute and relative frequencies of responses were analysed. The experts' comments were also considered. RESULTS: In the first round, experts suggested 4 new ideas about training programmes. Experts took a position on a total of 59 declarations. At least 75% of participants agreed with 58 statements about training programmes, namely about facilitators, intervention foci, evaluation methodology, participants, the implementation context, period and regularity, intervention strategies and content. The experts' opinions differed only in one statement that expressed the impaired sexual behaviour as a mental health problem to be addressed in the training programmes. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health nurses can lead the delivery of training programmes in upper secondary schools, improving adolescent competencies in mental health. Several educational approaches can be used to teach about mental health, related problems and actions underlying these conditions. Valid and appropriate assessment methods must be used. Our findings guide the planning, implementation and evaluation of these interventions in upper secondary schools and encourage nurses to explore these programmes and include them in their educational curricula.

Transcultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the spanish version of the therapeutic relationship Assessment Scale-Nurse.

BACKGROUND: The nurse-patient therapeutic relationship is considered a pillar of mental health nursing, contributing to improved person-centered care and shared decision making with the patient. Given the importance of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship, appropriate evaluation instruments are required to assess its quality. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Therapeutic Relationship Assessment Scale-Nurse. METHODS: A translation and back-translation of the scale was carried out. To analyze the psychometric properties, the scale was administered to 213 nurses working in the field of mental health care. Temporal stability or test-retest was examined by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in a sample of 100 nurses. RESULTS: Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed a four-factor structure identical to the original version, with some poor model fit indices. The ordinal alpha values for the total scale and the four factors were 0.939, 0.654, 0.798, 0.801, and 0.866, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.928 (95% CI: 0.893-0.952). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the Spanish version of the Therapeutic Relationship Assessment Scale-Nurse is reliable for determining the quality of the therapeutic relationship that mental health nurses can establish with their patients. However, more studies are needed to analyse the model fit of the instrument's factor structure in the Spanish population.

Spanish adaptation of the quality in psychiatric care-outpatient (QPC-OP) instrument community mental health patients' version: psychometric properties and factor structure.

BACKGROUND: Health systems in the field of mental health are strongly committed to community models that allow patients to be attended in their own environment. This helps them to maintain their family and social ties while trying to avoid costly hospital admissions. The patients' perspective is a key component in the assessment of the quality of psychiatric care and can even determine their adherence to the devices where they are treated. However, there are few instruments with adequate psychometric properties for the evaluation of the quality of psychiatric care in community mental health. The Quality in Psychiatric Care - Outpatient (QPC-OP) instrument has adequate psychometric properties to assess the quality of psychiatric care from the patients' perspective. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the QPC-OP instrument. METHODS: A translation and back-translation of the instrument was carried out. To examine its psychometric properties, the instrument was administered to 200 patients attending various community mental health services. To assess test-retest reliability, the instrument was readministered after 7-14 days (n = 98). RESULTS: The Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed a structure of 8 factors identical to the original version, with an adequate model fit. The internal consistency coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.951. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.764 (95% IC: 0.649 - 0.842), and higher than 0.70 in 5 of the 8 factors. Additionally, an EFA was performed and revealed that the instrument could behave in a unifactorial or four factor manner in the sample analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that the Spanish version of the QPC-OP instrument is valid and reliable for the assessment of quality of psychiatric care in the community setting.

The Effects of a Participatory Intervention in Mental Health Units on Nurses' Perceptions of the Practice Environment: A Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: The practice environment influences the quality of care and the nursing outcomes achieved in their workplaces. OBJECTIVE: To examine the perception of the clinical practice environment among nurses working in mental health units in the context of their participation in an action research study aimed at improving the nurse-patient relationship. METHOD: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study was designed. The data were collected in three phases in 18 mental health units (n = 95 nurses). Quantitative data were collected through the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, and qualitative data were collected through reflective diaries and focus groups in the context of participatory action research. RESULTS: The nurses' assessment of their practice environment shifted from positive to negative. Nurse manager leadership was the aspect that worsened the most. In addition, the perception of their participation in the affairs of the center and nursing foundations for quality of care decreased. The nurses considered it essential to be able to influence decision-making bodies and that the institution should promote a model of care that upholds the therapeutic relationship in actual clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses perceived that they should be involved in organizational decisions and required more presence and understanding from managers. Furthermore, nurses stated that institutions should promote nursing foundations for quality of care. This study contributes to understanding how nurses in mental health units perceive their work environment and how it affects the improvement of the nurse-patient relationship in clinical practice.

Suicide care from the nursing perspective: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

AIMS: To explore nurses' experiences of suicide care and to identify and synthesize the most suitable interventions for the care of people with suicidal behaviour from a nursing perspective. DESIGN: Qualitative meta-synthesis. DATA SOURCES: Comprehensive search of five electronic databases for qualitative studies published between January 2015 and June 2019. REVIEW METHODS: The PRISMA statement was used for reporting the different phases of the literature search and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative research checklist was used as an appraisal framework. Data synthesis was conducted using Sandelowski and Barroso's method. RESULTS: Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. The data analysis revealed 13 subcategories from which four main categories emerged: 'Understanding suicidal behaviour as a consequence of suffering', 'Nurses' personal distress in suicide care', 'The presence of the nurse as the axis of suicide care' and, 'Improving nurses' relational competences for a better therapeutic environment'. CONCLUSION: Further training of nurses on the therapeutic relationship, particularly in non-mental health care work settings, and monitoring of the emotional impact on nurses in relation to suicide is required to promote more effective prevention and care. IMPACT: This review provides new insights on how suicide is interpreted, the associated emotions, the way suicide is approached and proposals for improving clinical practice from the point of view of nurses. The results demonstrate that the nurse-patient relationship, ongoing assessment, and the promotion of a sense of security and hope are critical in nursing care for patients who exhibit suicidal behaviour. Consequently, to promote an effective nursing care of suicide, nurses should be provided with further training on the therapeutic relationship. Thus, health institutions do not only provide the time and space to conduct an adequate therapeutic relationship, but also, through their managers, they should supervise and address the emotional impact that is generated in nurses caring for patients who exhibit suicidal behaviour.

Examining the association between evidence-based practice and the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship in mental health units: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To examine the relationship between the dimensions of evidence-based practice and the therapeutic relationship and to predict the quality of the therapeutic relationship from these dimensions among nurses working in mental health units. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. METHODS: Data were collected between February-April 2018 via an online form completed by nurses working at 18 mental health units. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between the dimensions of evidence-based practice and therapeutic relationship. Questionnaires were completed by 198 nurses. RESULTS: Higher levels of evidence-based practice were a significant predictor of a higher-quality therapeutic relationship (ß: 2.276; 95% CI: 1.30-3.25). The evidence-based practice factor which most influenced an improved therapeutic relationship was the nurses' attitude (ß: 2.047; 95% CI: 0.88-3.21). The therapeutic relationship dimension which was most conditioned by evidence-based practice dimensions was agreement on tasks, which was most favourable with a better attitude (ß: 0.625; 95% CI: 0.09-1.16) and greater knowledge and skills for evidence-based practice (ß: 0.500; 95% CI: 0.08-0.93). CONCLUSION: In mental health settings, the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is positively enhanced by evidenced-based practice and the nurse's level of experience, with a great influence on shared decision-making. IMPACT: This research sought to examine the relationship between the evidence-based practice and the therapeutic relationship in mental health nursing. This study demonstrates that an improved attitude and knowledge of evidence-based practices of mental health nurses increases shared decision-making with patients, which is a basic requirement for person-centred care. Because the therapeutic relationship is considered the backbone of nursing practice in mental health units, this research will have an impact on both mental health nurses and mental health unit managers.

The impact of a participatory intervention on the therapeutic relationship in mental health nurses: A multicentre study.

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of an intervention aimed at improving the therapeutic relationship, using the participatory-action research method, in terms of improving the quality of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. DESIGN: A single-group pre-post research design. METHODS: Quantitative data were collected between January 2018 and June 2019 using an online form completed by nurses from 18 mental health units (N = 95). Data were collected before and after the intervention, which consisted of the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies to improve the therapeutic relationship through participatory-action research involving nurses. The Working Alliance Inventory-Short, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire and Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index were used. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used together with the Spearman's correlation coefficient. Two multiple linear regressions models were constructed. RESULTS: Overall, the intervention improved the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. In addition, the results revealed that, above all, the improvement in evidence-based practice along with a decrease in nurses' personal distress were the factors associated with the improvement of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. CONCLUSION: In mental health units, the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship can be improved through participatory interventions that include the implementation of evidence-based practices. IMPACT: This research examined the effects of an intervention aimed at improving the therapeutic relationship among nurses working at mental health units using participatory action research. The results show that the therapeutic relationship can be improved through participatory methods where evidence-based practice is implemented and enhanced among nurses, since a better therapeutic relationship along with reduced staff discomfort are determining factors that influence the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Institutional managers should promote participatory group interventions to enable nurses to develop evidence-based aspects of the therapeutic relationship together with expanding personal aspects and self-knowledge.

Nursing Practice Environment in Psychiatric Units: A Scoping Review.

The practice environment is a key element that influences the quality of psychiatric-mental health nursing care; however, little is known about it. For the current study, to explore the evidence on environmental factors influencing nursing practice in psychiatric inpatient units, a scoping review of primary research published between 2009 and 2019 was performed. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched. Eleven articles were included. Main findings were: (a) the biomedical approach limits the development of the nursing model; (b) lack of opportunities, representation, and recognition of nurses in the organization; (c) greater support from managers for a greater perception of nurses' competence and therapeutic commitment; and (d) the need for a feeling of belonging to the team and the perception of emotional exhaustion, workload, and administrative tasks. Although psychiatric nurses have a slightly positive view of their practice environment, certain factors limit quality of care. The current review points to the need for nurses to have greater organizational support and the importance of promoting effective teamwork. Implications for mental health services include the need for support and recognition by managers, as well as the existence of a nursing model within the units. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(11), 33-40.].

Spanish version of the Satisfaction with Epilepsy Care questionnaire: Adaptation and psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaption and psychometric evaluation of the Spanish version of the Satisfaction with Epilepsy Care (SEC) questionnaire and analyze patient satisfaction with epilepsy care. METHODS: Transcultural adaptation and validation of the SEC were carried out using translation and back-translation with pilot testing and an expert panel. The SEC-E (Spanish) was analyzed in 213 patients with epilepsy to examine construct and criterion validity and internal consistency. RESULTS: The SEC-E achieved conceptual, semantic, and content equivalence with the original version. For content validity, one question was eliminated from the original questionnaire as it has little relevance in our cultural setting. Positive correlations for criterion validity were obtained using the gold standard measure (Satisfaction in Hospitalized Patients scale). Construct validity replicated the three dimensions of the original questionnaire. The scale showed adequate reliability through internal consistency (Cronbach's α of 0.94) and temporal stability on retest (n = 85). Patients scored (0 to 100) 77.5 [standard deviation (SD): 19.9] for satisfaction with communication, 76.9 (SD: 17) for organization, and 67.2 (SD: 22.1) for information. SIGNIFICANCE: The SEC-E is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of educational interventions aiming to improve the quality of care in patients with epilepsy in Spanish clinical practice. The results showed a good level of patient satisfaction with epilepsy care.

Implementing evidence-based practices on the therapeutic relationship in inpatient psychiatric care: A participatory action research.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To produce changes in the therapeutic relationship between clinical practice nurses and patients in psychiatric units by implementing evidence-based practices through participatory action research. BACKGROUND: The therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of nursing care in psychiatric units. The literature suggests that theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient to establish the therapeutic relationship in practice. Therefore, strategies are needed to adequately establish the therapeutic relationship in psychiatric units. DESIGN: Participatory action research. METHODS: Participants consisted of nurses from two psychiatric units of a university hospital. Data were collected through focus groups and reflective diaries, which were analysed using the content analysis method. The COREQ guidelines were followed to ensure rigour. RESULTS: Nurses conceptualised the therapeutic relationship in their practice, identifying facilitating elements and limitations. They were able to compare their clinical practice with the recommendations of scientific evidence and constructed three evidence-based proposals to improve the therapeutic relationship: (a) a customised nurse intervention space, (b) knowledge updating and (c) reflective groups, which they subsequently implemented and evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that nurses in psychiatric units can generate changes and improvements in the therapeutic relationship. The process of implementing evidence-based practice enhanced participants' awareness of their clinical practice and allowed them to make changes and improvements. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The process confirmed that the implementation of evidence-based practice through participatory methods, such as participatory action research, is valid and produces lasting changes. This study also reveals the need to rethink nurses' functions and competencies in current psychiatric units.

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

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric 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/DESIGN: The 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. DISCUSSION: This 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.

The Therapeutic Relationship in Inpatient Psychiatric Care: A Narrative Review of the Perspective of Nurses and Patients.

PURPOSE: To study the significance of 'therapeutic relationship' between nurses and patients within the context of a psychiatric hospital. METHOD: Narrative literature review. Content analysis. FINDINGS: The significance of the therapeutic relationship is quite similar for both nurses and patients in psychiatric hospital units. Nevertheless, several factors may separate the two positions: the time available for the relationship, the negative perceptions on the part of both parties, and the insecurity of the setting. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Increased knowledge and understanding of the significance of the therapeutic relationship from the perspective of nurses and patients would allow the strengthening of areas of mutual interest.

An Interdisciplinary Intervention Based on Prescription of Physical Activity, Diet, and Positive Mental Health to Promote Healthy Lifestyle in Patients with Obesity: A Randomized Control Trial.

This study used a multimodal approach to address the issue of obesity among individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40 residing in a rural region of north-east Spain. A pretest-posttest model was employed in a clinical trial design, comparing an intervention group with a control group. The intervention, which lasted for a period of nine months, was based on three main strategies: the prescription of physical activity, the promotion of healthy nutritional habits, and the management of emotional wellbeing through Positive Mental Health (PMH). A variety of assessment tools were employed, including the CLASS-AF scale and a stress test for physical activity levels; advanced anthropometry and blood analysis for metabolic and body composition variables; a Mediterranean diet adherence questionnaire for nutritional habits; and a PMH multifactorial questionnaire for the assessment of emotional management. The results revealed significant improvements in the level of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in favor of the intervention group, where 89.4% (n = 17) of the participants went from being not very active/sedentary to being active. Also, adherence to the Mediterranean diet improved with a mean increase of 2.2 points on the scale [mean: 10.5 (CI 95%: 9.90, 11.09)]. In addition, significant reductions in body fat [mean: -2.50 kg (CI 95%: -3.56, -1.44)] and free fat mass [mean: -3.38% (IC 95%: -4.34, -2.41), along with decreased cholesterol levels (196 vs. 182 mg/dL), were observed, suggesting a decrease in cardiovascular and metabolic risk. In conclusion, this multimodal intervention was effective at improving the lifestyle of people with obesity and reducing their cardiovascular and metabolic risk. The combination of interventions focused on physical activity, diet, Positive Mental Health, and metabolic changes and were perceived as a comprehensive and complementary strategy in obesity care. These findings highlight the importance of approaching this condition from multiple perspectives to ensure optimal health outcomes.

Psychometric properties of the positive mental health questionnaire: short form (PMHQ-SF18) in young adults.

Introduction: Positive Mental Health (PMH) plays a pivotal role in the promoting of mental health. Assessing this phenomenon is essential for early recognition and intervention in mental health. To date, only one tool was validated with 39 items to assess PMH among Portuguese young adults. Method: This study sought to examine the psychometric properties of the short version of the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire (PMHQ) among Portuguese university students. The PMHQ Short Form was administered to a sample of 3,647 university students via an online platform. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. The principal factor solution was employed because some items showed higher levels of kurtosis. Multivariate analysis was tested using the Mardia's Test, Henze-Zirkler, and Royston. Findings of content, construct validity tests, and Cronbach's alfa demonstrated the satisfactory validity and suitable reliability of the PMHQ-Short Form (PMHQ-SF). Results and discussion: The exploratory factor analysis produced six dimensions of the PMHQ-SF with three items in each factor demonstrating adequate internal reliability. The global internal consistency was 0.92, with factors ranging between 0.60 to 0.82. The results suggest that the PMHQ-SF is reliable, easier, and more practical to complete by university students due to the shortening of the number of items. The PMHQ-SF is useful for assessing positive mental health in young adults. The final version of the instrument contains from 32 to 18 items.