Reflective practice groups: Are they useful for liaison psychiatry nurses working within the Emergency Department?

Liaison psychiatry nurses in Emergency Departments assess and plan onward treatment for individuals, often following self-harm or suicide attempts. These nurses are at high risk of occupational stress. Reflective practice groups may be beneficial, but there is currently no research evaluating this.

We explored nurses' experiences of attending psychology-led reflective practice groups.

Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 13 nurses was undertaken.

Four themes emerged from the data: (i) Sharing and learning; participants discussed how the group provided a platform to share common experiences, express emotions and learn from each other. (ii) Grounding and perspective; participants said the group encouraged reflection on the impact of their work, with a sense of valuing their skills and the difference they make. (iii) Space; participants spoke about the group being a protected, structured and safe space. (iv) Relationships; participants said the group allowed them to support each other and have conversations in a sensitive and non-threatening way. Discussions in the group increased some participants' confidence and self-esteem.

Some nurses perceive a range of benefits from participating in reflective practice groups.

For some mental health nurses reflective practice groups are an acceptable and valued intervention which may reduce burnout.