Acute mental health/psychiatric nurses' experiences of clinical supervision in promoting their wellbeing in their workplace: a systematic review.

Abstract

Review question What are the experiences of acute mental health /psychiatric nurses of clinical supervision in promoting their well-being in their place of work? Objectives The objective of this review is to synthesise the best available qualitative evidence on the positive aspects of clinical supervision experiences of acute mental health /psychiatric nurses, such as a sense of individual well-being Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies that include nurses working in acute mental health in-patient care settings, who have first hand experience of clinical supervision regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, length of time since registration as a mental health nurse, work experience, or country of origin. For this systematic review we will use the following definitions: •The term mental health or (psychiatric) nurse is used interchangeably to reflect international preferences and refers to nurses who have completed a recognised approved training in mental health nursing by the relevant professional body, and awarded a licence to practice, and to use the legal title of ‘nurse’. •The term acute mental health (psychiatric) in-patient care settings or environments refers to wards or units providing hospitalisation and care for patients with acute mental disorders. •The term clinical supervision refers to a formal process of professional support and learning which enables individual practitioners to develop knowledge and competence, assume responsibility for their own practice and enhance consumer protection and the safety of care in complex clinical situations. It is central to the process of learning and to the expansion of the scope of practice and should be seen as a means of encouraging self-assessment and analytical and reflective skills, and nurses’ well-being in the work place. Phenomena of interest The experiences of acute mental health/psychiatric nurses of clinical supervision in promoting their well-being in the work place.The types of data that include experiential accounts of acute mental health /psychiatric nurses of the contribution of CS to their well-being, for example reduced stress, less feelings of burn out and exhaustion, job satisfaction, and enhanced coping skills.