Evaluation of group processes in the professional development of mental health nurses

The purpose of this paper is to report on group process data for 41 registered nurses endorsed as psychiatric nurses. Profile analysis was used to evaluate the flatness of ratings of group interaction by two groups of participants. Accelerated professional development participants had non-flat rating profiles for their ratings of how far group sessions helped them to clarify or validate issues, focused on the 'reasons for' and consequences of session content, achieved resolution of different points of view, or promoted consensus and group cohesiveness. The peer consultation participants had a non-flat rating profile for overall group supportiveness, demonstrating that the participants felt less supported over time.