Facilitators of and Barriers to the Therapeutic Nurse–Patient Relationship: Perceptions From Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic relationship serves as a cornerstone in psychiatric mental health nursing practice, providing a basis for implementing various interventions. AIMS: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of psychiatric mental health nurses regarding factors that facilitate and impede the therapeutic nurse–patient relationship. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted among psychiatric mental health nurses employed at two community psychiatric hospitals in the northeast area of the United States. A list of facilitators and barriers was developed based on an extensive literature review and subsequently validated by three experts in the field of psychiatric mental health nursing. Participants rated these factors on a 10-point scale. RESULTS: The study included 74 registered nurses from two psychiatric hospitals, yielding a 24% response rate. The highest-ranked facilitator was awareness that the relationship enables collaborative goal setting with patients. The most significant barrier was insufficient time due to administrative tasks. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of understanding facilitators and barriers in the therapeutic nurse–patient relationship. Replicating the study nationally on a larger scale among psychiatric mental health nurses is recommended.