In 2023, NHS England commissioned the RCN to revamp the highly acclaimed Psychosocial Interventions programme, which was last delivered in the early 2000s. The new programme, co-designed with patients and developed by nurses for nurses, has received enormous interest from mental health nurses and organisational leaders nationwide. I am deeply encouraged to hear a breadth of senior leaders say this is ‘the programme mental health nursing has wanted for a very long time’.
Our comprehensive programme is designed at an enhanced level of practice and is aimed at all post-preceptorship mental health nurses working in inpatient and community settings. Our approach centres on making the learning process work for you, our nurses and service providers. We offer a tailored service that considers the profession's day-to-day challenges, including accessing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and managing workforce shortages.
As the professional body for nursing, our programme goes beyond an education and training offer. We will establish a national psychosocial nursing community of practice to support the ongoing development of our programme’s alumni. We will measure the outcomes of our learning and establish a longitudinal evaluation of the impact of psychosocial nursing practices on patients and service delivery.
Mental Health Nursing Psychosocial Interventions
Mental health nursing psychosocial interventions refer to a range of evidence-based practices that help individuals with mental health conditions cope with their symptoms, overcome day-to-day challenges, and improve their quality of life. Rather than a medical or psychological concept of recovery, psychosocial interventions in nursing are underpinned by the social disability philosophy of recovery, which has been most notably attributed to Anthony (1993).
Psychosocial Interventions can be used to prevent mental health issues from developing into mental illness or to support people with existing mental health conditions. These interventions focus predominantly on the combination of the psychological and social aspects of mental health but are informed by our core knowledge of physical health and medication management. This means they aim to address the underlying causes and holistic needs of mental health issues and help individuals develop rounded strategies to live meaningful, hopeful lives.
Some mental health nursing Psychosocial Interventions are underpinned by the core principles of co-production, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), family-inclusive practice (FIP), psychoeducation, and social support. Co-production is the process of using the collective experience and knowledge of patients, carers, nurses, and the multidisciplinary team to make changes that they see as important.
CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours that may be contributing to their mental health condition. Its core principles can provide mental health nurses with a structured way to understand and engage with individuals. FIP focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and developing the supportive role of the person’s family, friends, and social networks.
Psychoeducation involves providing individuals with information about their mental health condition and ways to self-manage their challenges. This can include teaching individuals about relaxation techniques, stress management, and problem-solving skills. Social support involves connecting individuals with others who can provide emotional and practical support, such as support groups, peer support programmes, and family and friends.
It is important to note that Psychosocial Interventions are not a replacement for structured psychological therapy, medication or other evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions. Instead, they work with and inform these multi-disciplinary treatments to provide a comprehensive, timely and multimodal approach to mental health care.
Psychosocial Interventions are not a one-size-fits-all approach. The type or combination of intervention(s) will depend on the individual's specific needs and goals. They are also not a quick fix. They require time, effort, and commitment from the individual and the mental health nurse. It may take several sessions or weeks to see the benefits of these interventions, and ongoing provision may be needed to support people on their recovery journey.
Psychosocial Interventions and Our Professional Obligations
Psychosocial Interventions are based on the communication and relationship management skills outlined in Annexe A of the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) Future Nurse Standards. At the point of registration, nurses must communicate effectively and build relationships with individuals of all ages and various health conditions. All registered nurses must exhibit these skills to a suitable level based on their intended field(s) of practice.
The NMC specifies several communication skills and therapeutic approaches for effective evidence-based interventions for nursing practice. These approaches include:
- Motivational interview techniques
- Solution-focused therapies
- Reminiscence therapies
- Talking therapies
- De-escalation strategies and techniques
- Cognitive behavioural therapy techniques
- Play therapy
- Distraction and diversion strategies
- Positive behaviour support approaches.
Each approach has its strengths, limitations, and scope, which mental health nurses can use to meet the breadth of patients’ needs. By multimodally employing these techniques, mental health nurses can help patients gain greater control over their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, improving mental and physical health outcomes.
The RCN’s Psychosocial Interventions Programme aims to enhance the current mental health nursing workforce so that they can confidently practice within the scope of Annexe A. This programme will strengthen mental health nurses' knowledge and skills, retain existing staff, and enable the current workforce to supervise, support, and train new nurses through pre-reg training, preceptorship, and beyond.
Our goal is to improve the profession of mental health nursing by enabling them to provide, develop, lead, and sustain the delivery of psychosocial interventions within their scope of practice. This journey will help strengthen mental health nursing's identity and voice, shape the development of contemporary health and care services, and improve access to therapeutic care, ensuring patients have the best possible experience.
The RCN Psychosocial Interventions Programme will launch in September 2024 as part of the RCN’s mental health programmes workstreams. Contact the team at MHProgrammes@rcn.org.uk to find out more.
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