La relación terapéutica como eje de los cuidados enfermeros en las unidades de agudos de salud mental: análisis del contexto en Cataluña.

Multiple individual and contextual factors influence the quality of the therapeutic relationship in mental health units. The objective was to describe the characteristics of structure, teamwork, ward rules and care dynamics that intervene in the establishment of the therapeutic relationship in mental health units in Catalonia. The study is part of a multi-centre project that includes 18 mental health units in Catalonia, and which aims to improve the therapeutic relationship through Participatory Action-Research. This work is the first stage in which an analysis of the study context was carried out. The data were collected through observational guides filled in by the coordinating nurses of each centre. The results were grouped into 3 themes: i) structure of the units and size of the teamworks, ii) rules and dynamics of the units and iii) indicators of quality of care. The main conclusion of the study is the great variability observed in the units in relation to their structure, ratios and rules. Due to these environmental factors, the care provided and, consequently, the therapeutic relationship, is considerably different depending on the area in which each patient resides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]