Impact of the ‘Reserved Therapeutic Space’ nursing intervention on acute mental health inpatients' perceptions of the therapeutic relationship, quality of care, perceived coercion and length of stay: A multicentre quasi‐experimental trial

Abstract

Introduction: A strong nurse–patient therapeutic relationship is crucial in acute mental health care yet remains challenging,potentially affecting outcomes and perceived quality of care. Interventions that foster structured, person-centred encounters mayaddress these challenges effectively.Aim: To evaluate the effects of the ‘Reserved Therapeutic Space’ intervention in terms of its impact on the improvement of thenurse–patient therapeutic relationship, the quality of care, perceived coercion and humiliation and length of stay.Methods: A multicentre quasi-experimental trial design in twelve acute mental health units compared the Reserved TherapeuticSpace to standard care. Participants completed validated instruments assessing the therapeutic relationship, perceived quality ofcare and coercion. Mixed-effects models and survival analyses evaluated intervention effects.