Psychiatric Home Hospitalization: The Role of Mental Health Nurses-A Scoping Review

The lack of evidence synthesis studies on the role of psychiatric mental health nursing in the context of psychiatric home hospitalization underscores the limited research on nurses providing care in these teams, particularly concerning their experiences and responsibilities and the actual role of nurses in this context. This knowledge has the potential to improve the quality of mental healthcare by guiding nursing practices. Objective: To map the concepts related to the role of mental health nurses in psychiatric home hospitalization. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the methodology proposed by the JBI, involving five methodological stages. No search limits were applied except for language. Results: The review identified five key dimensions of nursing in psychiatric home hospitalization: satisfaction; care models; the therapeutic relationship; the care environment; the organization of care. These interconnected dimensions influence quality care. Satisfaction among nurses, patients, and families is associated with improved outcomes and reduced stigma. The therapeutic relationship is characterized by a humanistic approach, emphasizing dialogue, empathy, and shared decision making. Additionally, the importance of care organization is highlighted, including individualized care plans, medication management, and intersectoral collaboration. Discussion: The five nursing dimensions align with the Quality Standards of the Portuguese Nursing Council and are consistent with the scientific literature. Conclusions: Although there is a shortage of studies on this topic, this review allows for the synthesis of nursing interventions and reflection on the paradigm shift in care within the scope of psychiatric mental health nursing interventions. Future studies highlighting the value of mental health nursing interventions, with a particular focus on nursing-sensitive indicators and employing quantitative or mixed methods, will be crucial to furthering the analysis conducted thus far.