Establishing Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationship with Mentally ill Patients in a Community

This Bachelor's thesis by Cecilia Penda explores the importance of therapeutic nurse-client relationship in mental health care. It discusses the core components of the relationship and the role of nurses in community care. The study uses literature review and Peplau's interpersonal theory as a framework. Keywords include mental health, nurse-client relationship, community health, and therapeutic relationship.

Establishing Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationship
with Mentally ill Patients in a Community
Cecilia Penda
Bachelor’sThesis
Degree Programme in Nursing
2017

DEGREE THESIS
Arcada University of Applied Sciences
Degree Programme: Nursing
Identification number: 18827
Author: Cecilia Penda
Title: Establishing Therapeutic nurse -client Relationship with
Mentally ill patients in a Community.
Supervisor (Arcada): Pamela Gray
Commissioned by:
Abstract:
Introduction: Mental well-being is necessary and important for a population health and well-
being. Many people may discover mental health problems in their daily life activities. Most often,
these mental health challenges go unnoticed by the patients as well as others.Therapeutic
relationship is very important in mental health .It is considered the fundamental of mental health
as it supports the changing insight and behaviour of mentally ill patient.It is a relationship built on
trust and respect between the nurse and the client.
The purpose of this study is to investigate articles of scientific journals related to topic and gain
deeper knowledge on means to build an effective nurse-client relationships and to understand
nurses role in the nurse-client relationship.
Method:Literature review was used as an electronic database search. The database search that
were used for the review are EBSCOHOST,SCIENCE DIRECT, SAGE JOURNAL and Google
Scholar utilizing the search terms ”therapeutic nurse-client relationship”, ”mental health”,
”Components of therapeutic relationship”, ”community care”.The search resulted to a number of
hits using the search criterions. Reading carefully through the articles, the total of fourteen
scientific articles were considered relevant for this study.An inductive content analysis was used
to analysed the data collected.The theoretical framework used for the study is Hildegard
Peplau’1988 interpersonal theory.
Findings:The literature review highlight trust, communication, empathy, genuineness,
empowerment, respect, continuity of care and patient confidentiality as the core components of
nurse-patient relationship.In addition to nurses role such as providing physical care, safety and
security and protection in the nurse-client relationship. The theoritical framework of Peplau’s
interpersonal theorycould be seen as it explained the phases of therapeutic nurse-client
relationship.
Conclusion: The study illustrate the role of nurses in a therapeutic relation to nursing practice as
a service provider through the provision of physical care to patient, conveying safety and security
to patient, protection as well as elements needed to establish an effective nurse-client relationship.
Keywords: Mental health, nurse-client relationship, Community
health, Therapeutic relationship
Numberof pages: 51
Language: English
Date of acceptance:

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Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 8
2. BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................... 11
2.1 The history of mental health treatment and therapeutic relationships ......................................... 12
2.2 The key concept. ............................................................................................................... 14
3. Theoretical framework .......................................................................................... 17
3.1 Peplau`s theory as a framework. ............................................................................................ 17
3.1.1. The orientation Phase ................................................................................................... 18
3.1.2. The identification Phase ................................................................................................ 18
3.1.3 The exploitation phase .................................................................................................... 19
3.1.4The Resolution Phase ...................................................................................................... 19
3.2 Relevance of the theory ......................................................................................................... 19
4. AIMS AND RESEARCH QUESTION ...................................................................... 20
5.METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................... 21
5.1 Data collection ..................................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Presentation of reviewed articles ............................................................................................ 23
5.4 Ethical consideration. ............................................................................................................ 24
6. FINDINGS .............................................................................................................. 27
6.1 Elements of therapeutic nurse- client relationship ............................................................ 27
6.1.1 Trust ................................................................................................................................. 27
6.1.4 Genuineness .................................................................................................................. 31
6.1.6 Continuity of care .......................................................................................................... 32
6.1.7 Respect (unconditional positive regards).......................................................................... 33
6.8 Confidentiality and privacy ............................................................................................... 33
6.2. The role of nurse in Therapeutic relationship ................................................................... 34
7. DISCUSSION .......................................................................................................... 37
7.1. Strength, Limitation and Recommendation ...................................................................... 41
8.CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................................................... 42
9. REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 43
Appendices ............................................................................................................... 48

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ABBREVIATION
W.H.O World Health Organization.
Chapt. Chapter
Vol. Volume
List of figures
Figure 1: The search process
Figure 2: Illustration of the data analysis process
Figure 3: Communication that supports safety in Psychiatric nursing.

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Dedication
Dedicated to my beloved sons Pekka – Kelton & Clive

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Acknowledgement
I am grateful to God almighty for the guidance and support provided to me throughout
the writing of this study.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor Pamela Gray for her encour-
agements, supports and reviews that brought this work to fulfillment. Not leaving out all
the academic staffs in the Arcada Nursing Department who in one way or the other con-
tributed to make my studies and the writing of this paper a success, thank you so much.
I would like to take this chance to express my deep sense of gratitude to my beloved
mothers, brothers and sisters for their support and understanding and to my late father
Mr. Ngoh Emmanuel Penda, who made me to be who I am today. I know you are happy
where you are now for this great achievement, thank you so much.
This study couldn’t have been accomplished without the support of this wonderful,
lovely family of Heli Norja and Matti Norja. Thank you for your enormous support
morally, financially and physically. Your encouragement when the times got tough, it
was a great comfort and reliefs to know that you were and are still willing provide any-
thing you can to see that I succeed. God bless you.
To my classmates and friends, Bola, Gordon& Celine, Susanna and to those whose
names are not mentioned here. They are worthy and trusted people who gave me their
support and ask for nothing in return. A big thank you.
I would like to thank my sons for his unique kindness and understanding he showed to
me throughout the writing of this study.

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1 INTRODUCTION
The world Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that, one in four in the world will be
affected by mental or neurological disorder at some point in their life. They reported
that, number of people around the world suffering from mental health problems was 450
million placing mental disorder amongst the leading cause of ill health around the world
(WHO, 2001). In European union countries,27% (approximately 83 million) of adult
between the age of 18 – 65 have experience one of the series of mental disorder, sub-
stance use, psychoses, anxiety, depression (WHO, 2017)
Mental health problems and substance abuse are among the most serious threats for
public health in Finland. About one quarter of Finnish people suffer from psychological
symptoms with adverse effects at some time in their lives. It is estimated that that 7% of
all Finnish adult suffer from depressive, anxiety and alcohol- related disorders (Mental
health briefing sheets, consensus paper, 2008).
Mental health care services in Finland are provided by municipal authorities, district
hospitals, private service providers and third sector stakeholder that is different type of
organisation, but their implementation differs from one town to another. The structure
of the service in larger towns is more robust and versatile with more service provider as
compared to smaller towns. Patient can seek assistance from health care centres, private
clinics, occupational health care, specialised psychiatric care, private psychotherapist,
church and various organisations involved in the different kinds of mental health ser-
vices. (Meili. The Finnish Association for Mental Health).
In Finland, mental disorders are treated with a combination of medication, conversation
and different kinds of group activities. For long term and more severe cases, patients are
treated in an inpatient care where the patient is admitted in a psychiatric care unit or
outpatient care where patients visit the hospital few times a week or months to receive
treatment (Meili, The Finnish Association for Mental Health). In this case the responsi-
bilities to assess and manage the mental illness and or mental well-being do not only
depend on the health care personnel but also on the patient.

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Before the 1990s, specialised mental services were administered separately from other
health services. For this reason, Finland was divided into mental health districts, com-
posed by federation of municipalities.
In the beginning of 1990, Finnish mental health service undergone transformation with
the integration of mental services and other specialised health services with decentrali-
sation of financing and de-institutionalisation of the services. The deinstitutionalization
of psychiatric services has been possible by developing outpatient care and community
based mental health services (Salokangas R.k.R. and Saarinen S., 1998). The former
mental health districts were dissolved, and psychiatric and specialised health care were
merged into new administrative units called health care districts (Ville L. and Vappu T.,
2001). As compared to mental health services in Africa for example Cameroon, the
Cameroon government spends 0.1% of the total health budget for mental health, (WHO
Mental health atlas, 2011) Sources of mental health financing are from taxes, by patient
themselves or their family and private insurance services. Apart from the government,
some non-governmental organisations are involved with mental health, but their role is
limited to advocacy, promotion, prevention and rehabilitation. Budget that is allocated
for mental health program particularly for the development of community -based mental
health are never implemented. Even if budget programmes are present, the plans in
mental health are very slow to activate because of low priority. Since 1989, mental
health has been included as a public health priority, but greater priority has been given
to family planning and hospital medicine (WHO, 2013).
There is no mental health reporting system because the collection of data is poor and
information gathering is not developed due to lack of infrastructure, trained and moti-
vated staff (WHO, 2013). There are no community care facilities for patient with mental
disorder. The country has no data collection system or epidemiological study on mental
health. A research carried out by WHO (2011) in Cameroon shows that nurses and other
healthcare professionals working in hospitals, are not train and equipped to work with
people with possible mental health problems and do not have the interpersonal interac-
tion skills and the methods available to provide the best possible care for these clients.
Community care can be described to be various services available to help individuals
manage their physical and mental problems in the community with dignity and inde-
pendence in other to avoid social isolation (Sidmore, 1997). Community care can be a
means of providing the right level of interventions and supports to enable people to at-

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tain utmost autonomy and control over their own lives and to achieve this; it will require
both formal and informal support by the nurse (Clough & Hadley, 1996). One of that
supports is the building of nurse- client relationship. Nurse-client relation is the core or
the foundation on which nurses build up a relationship with the client.

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2. BACKGROUND
Mental well-being is necessary and important for a population health and well-being.
Many people may discover mental health problems in their daily life activities. Most
often, these mental health challenges go unnoticed by the patients as well as others.
Mental health can be defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes
his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productive-
ly and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community (WHO (2014). There-
fore, mental health entails how well individual manages or copes with daily life and it is
therefore as important as physical health. For instance, people experiences fear anxiety,
depression and stress in their daily lives. However, if these problems affect an individu-
al to the extent that they are unable to cope with their activities of daily life it may con-
stitute a psychiatric disorder (WHO, 2014)
According to world health organisation report, mental disorder comprises a wide range
of problems with different symptoms and is generally characterized by some combina-
tion of abnormal thought, emotions, behaviour and relationship with other. Examples
are schizophrenia, severe depression, intellectual disabilities and drug related mental
disorders (WHO, 2014).
Traditionally, a therapeutic relationship has been considered the foundation of mental
health care and the support for changing insight and behaviour (Peplau, 1988 (cited in
Moyle, 2003).A therapeutic relationship can be defined as a helping relationship that is
based on mutual trust and respect, the nurturing of faith and hope, being sensitive to self
and others, and assisting with the gratification of the patient's physical, emotional, and
spiritual needs through knowledge and skill of the care giver. Therefore, therapeutic re-
lationships are not only important in psychiatric nursing but also as a key variable in all
evidence based practices. An interactive and caring relationship is fostered by kindness,
objectiveness, friendliness, a sense of humour, and a positive approach (Astedt-kurki &
Haggman-laitila, 1992(cited in Lecharrois, 2011). This involves a relationship built with
trust where values are respected as the mental health care nurse relieves distress by ac-
tively listening to concerns, improves morale through review of established outcomes,
and empowers the patient to participate in their recovery (Beeber, 1998(cited in Moyle,
2003).

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2.1 The history of mental health treatment and therapeutic relation-
ships
The caring of mentally sick person has existed during the prehistoric times but in differ-
ent forms. Buddhaghosa, (1975) study (cited in Clarke, 2012) identified nursing, by
monks, as a significant part of care for people with health problems in India more than
1500 years ago. The progenitor of modern mental health nurses were often nuns and
monks in the Middle Ages (Lorentzo, 1992(cited in Clarke, 2012).
In prehistoric times, tribal rites were used to treat mentally ill patient and if unsuccessful
often lead to the abandonment of the ill person. During the Greek and Roman era treat-
ments were done in temples ranging from human care to flogging, bleeding and purg-
ing. They were religious belief that mentally ill persons were being possessed by devils
that could be treated by whipping and starvation. In the 16th century the church stops
treating mentally ill persons and they were imprisoned in arm houses, a combination of
jail and asylum. Those who were delusional and violent were forced to seek charity on
the street (Taylor & Ballard, 1921).
In the 18th and 19th century moral therapy was introduced as a new form of treatment
based on the beliefs that mental health was related to immorality or poor upbringing and
that a therapeutic environment could correct those weaknesses. Patients were kept busy
with work, music and other diversions instead of harsh confinement exercise during the
prehistoric era. Moral therapy requires that the attendants treat patients with kindness
and keep them involved in the treatment program (Wasserbauer & Brodie, 1992(cited in
Taylor & Ballard, 1921). The concept of moral therapy introduced in the treatment of
mentally ill patient and it reliance on attendants gave rise to current psychiatric nursing
care. The 20th century saw the used of isolation, water bath treatment, dietary regimens,
seductive drugs and shock as a form of treatment. It is not refuted that the 18th, 19th
and 20th century institutions were often inhumane places, but the nursing care given
could be of high quality despite difficult circumstances with uncaring administrators
(O'Brien, 2001).

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In the 21st century a multidisciplinary approach has been established for the treatment
of mentally ill person. The in-depth knowledge of the causes and treatment of mental
illness has increased dramatically over the years therefore psychiatric nurses work in
close collaboration with other health practitioners, clients and their families, each family
forming an integral of a multidisciplinary team utilizing a wide range of treatments.
Based on the recognition of patient as part of the treatment team, the term client rather
than patient is often used when referring to person in need of professional mental health
services. Apart from clients and their families, the multidisciplinary treatment team in-
cludes the psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, psychiatric social worker and activities
therapist who teach life skills. (O’Brien, 2001)
The concept of therapeutic relationship has been used in the asylum era, particularly in
the practice of moral treatment. Therapeutic relationship is a concept held by many as
fundamental to the identity of mental health care nurse. It origin can be traced to at-
tendant’s interpersonal practices in the asylum era. The development and implementa-
tion of health care practice theories was pioneered by Florence Nightingale throughout
the 19th and 20th century but her theories were not adopted and implemented at the
same time as they were introduced in other areas (O`Brien, 2001 (cited in Lecharrois,
2011). Medical understanding and interpretation of insanity avoided the development of
interpersonal relationship between the staff and patients (Chung& Nolan, 1994(cited in
O'Brien 2001).
Due to the improper care of patient in asylums, eventual awareness of the failure of this
approach was preceded by a shift of identifying what is necessary for improved care. In
1958, the Journal of mental science redefined the term “asylum attendant” to that of
“nurse” through the implementation of educational programs, which provided a basis
for the development of professional identity (Nolan, 1993 (cited in O'Brien, 2001).
In the mid-20th century, nursing theorist begin discussing the conceptualization of ther-
apeutic relationship between clients and nurses (O'Brien, 2001). It was left to Hildegard
Peplau (1952) and other nursing theorist to describe mental health nursing as being
“therapeutic” when providing nursing care and in relation with patients, and (Travelbee,
1971(cited in Lecharrois, 2011) used the terms” human -to-human” relationship and
“nurse-patient interaction” to characterised nursing (O'Brien, 2001).

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Today the concept of therapeutic relationship has been reinforced since Peplau`s (1957)
influential work. Therapeutic relationship ensures that patients are given top priorities.
Nurses must assist patient in establishing new skill and competences so that they can
cope with their abnormalities. In mental home, this difficulty involves violent behaviour
or self-destructive actions which impaired relationship with their nurses. Nurses usually
face a difficult task because they must balance between need to provide security and
detention on one hand and the need to ameliorate patient mental health on the other
(Caplan, 1993 cited in Brunt & Rask, 2007). In a holistic viewpoint both the nurse and
the patient work together where the main objectives of the nurse work are to assist pa-
tient to cope with their situation while they develop their own nursing and caring skills.
Trust, respect, genuineness, honesty and effective communication (McKlindon and-
Barnsteiner, 1999(cited in Lecharrois, 2011) and demonstrating consistency and active
listening (Forchuk et al., 1998 (cited in Lecharrois, 2011) are essential in fostering an
effective therapeutic relationship. A study conducted by Moyle (2003) on people suffer-
ing from major depressive episode suggested that client expect empathy, comfort and
presence than nurses willing to provide.
2.2 The key concept.
To better understand and follow up this research paper it is imperative that the key con-
cepts of therapeutic relationship used in this literature review is defined. These include
trust, communication, empathy, respect, genuineness, confidentiality, empowerment,
continuity.
Trust
Trust is “confidence in and reliance upon others, whether individuals, professionals or
organization, to act in accord with accepted social, ethical and legal norms” (Institutes
of medicine, 2006). Webster links trust in its definition to, reliance on, a confidence
placed in, a charge of duty and a commitment for a person to act in another`s best inter-
est (Marshall, 2000). Other authors describe trust as the reliance on consistency, same-
ness and continuity of experiences provided by familiar and predictable things and peo-
ple (Erikson, 1963).

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Communication
Communication can be defined as the act of communicating, imparting, conveying or
exchange of ideals, thoughts, messages, knowledge and information by means of
speech, visuals, signals, writing or behaviour (Concise oxford advanced learner`s dic-
tionary, 2004). De valenzuela and Scherba (1992) defined communication as the act by
which one person gives to or receives from another person information about that per-
son's needs, desires, perceptions, knowledge or affective states.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to share someone else's feeling or experiences by imagining what
it would like to be in that person's situation (Cambridge academic content dictionary,
2008). Kristjansdottir (1992) analysed existing definitions of empathy and categorized
them as a representation of three main types, 1) the ability to imaginatively explore fac-
ets of another person`s role, and 2) to anticipate and understand the thoughts, feelings
and behaviour of another, and 3) the emotional experience of sharing the experience or
feelings of another person without necessary or cognitively understanding
them.
Genuineness
Genuineness is the ability to be oneself within the context of a professional role (Shedon
L.K, 2005). Rogers (1961) describe genuineness as congruence, the willingness to be
open and genuine and not hide behind a professional facet. Watson (1976) talks of sin-
cerity as the necessary part of a caring experience. Marden (1990) describe it as the
need to be in touch with one's own state of mind to be able to express sensitivity and
receptivity to the beliefs and experiences of others. A genuine person is one who tries
to be himself`/herself, comfortably with all his/her social interaction and does not have
to adapt or change roles to be acceptable by others (Heslop A., 1992).
Empowerment
There are many definitions and meanings of empowerment depending on the context
and situation in which it is used. Empowerment is defined as a multidimensional pro-
cess that helps people gain control of their lives, increasing their capacity to act on is-
sues that they themselves regards as important (Luttrell, 2009). Other authors like Zim-

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merman and Rapport (1988) defined empowerment as a build that connects personal
capabilities and power, positive behaviour and natural healing system to issues of social
change and social policy.
Nurses need autonomy as a kind of power which can be defined as” the freedom to act
on what one knows” (Kramer & Schmalenberg, 1993). Power can be acquired through
the process of empowerment (Kanter, 1993). Empowerment enables one to act whereas
power denotes having control, influence or domination (Chandler, 1992).
Continuity
Continuity of care enables patient to build a therapeutic relation with nurse. Patient may
experience two forms continuity of care, relationship continuity and management conti-
nuity. George Freeman & Jane Hughes (2010) described relationship continuity as a
continuous therapeutic relationship with a clinician and management continuity as, con-
tinuity and consistency of clinical management, including providing and sharing infor-
mation and care planning, and any necessary coordination of care required by the pa-
tient.
Respect (unconditional positive regards)
Carl Rogers (1961) defined respect or unconditional positive regard as the ability to ac-
cept another person’s beliefs despite your own personal feelings. Respect is the recogni-
tion of the inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual, regardless of so-
cioeconomic health problem (Milton C. L., 2005). Patient need respect and acceptance
as a unique human being. The purpose of respect is to make the patient have a comfort-
able feeling and to make his/ her feelings legitimized (Sheldon L.K, 2005)
Confidentiality and privacy
Confidentiality is the act of keeping in confidence all information related to the client's
physical, psychological and social health, as well as any personal information collected
during the time they receive nursing services (College of licensed practical nurse of Al-
berta, practical statement 9, 2003). Patients expect confidentiality when they entrust
their health information to a nurse. Patient will be honest in their response and in giving
their health information especially if they feel that their information is kept confidential.

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3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Peplau's interpersonal theory (1988) has been recognized as fundamentals for modern
day nursing. Professional nursing organisations have also identified the therapeutic rela-
tion as a pivot of nursing care and have embedded qualities of the nurse- client relation-
ship in many statements on practices (Canadian nurse Association (1980), College of
nurses Ontario, 1999). Several authors have looked more specifically at the phases and
qualities of the therapeutic relationship as defined by Peplau`s, considering both the
nurse and the client perspective in his/her experience of the relationship (Forchuk et. al,
1998 abcd,)
3.1 Peplau`s theory as a framework.
Peplau`s theory of nurse -client relationship is significant to nursing practices and the
findings of this study. Longman online dictionary defined a relationship as the way in
which two people or two groups feel and behave about each other as well as connected
and affect each other. Therefore, the nurse(s) and the client(s) comes together and con-
nect to each other to establish a relationship. Peplau`s considered nursing to be a “sig-
nificant therapeutic, interpersonal process”. Based on Peplau's (1988) theory, a thera-
peutic nurse- relationship can be defined as a professional and planned relationship be-
tween client and nurse that focuses on the client`s needs, feelings, problems and idea.
The client will experience better health when all their needs are fully considered in the
relationship (Peplau, 1988). Peplau explained that nursing is therapeutic because it is a
healing art, assisting a patient who needs health care. It is also an interpersonal process
because of the interaction between two or more individuals who have a common goal.
The attainment of this goal in the interpersonal relationship is achieved through a series
of sequential steps involving four phases, 1) orientation, 2) identification, 3) exploita-
tion and 4) resolution.
Before the nurse and patient meet, there is a pre-interaction phase where the nurse must
become aware of her own personal feelings, fears, and worries about working with the
patient. The self- awareness allows a nurse to accept a patient's difference without
judgement.

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3.1.1. The orientation Phase
The orientation phase begins when the nurse and patient first meet, and goals are set.
The aim is to build trust and respect. The nurse and patient are strangers to each other,
with both nurse and patient has preconceptions of what to expect based on previous re-
lationships, experiences, attitudes and beliefs (Peplau, 1952). The roles and limitations
of the relationship are communicated through pleasant greetings, eye contact and mind-
fulness of the patient's boundaries. The nurse attempts to discover why the patient is
seeking for help and what their goals are. The patient tells the nurse what she or he
needs; ask questions, share opinion and expectations based on past experiences. When
the nurse displayed a genuine interest in the patient and show empathy, it can help dur-
ing this orientation phase. The nurse assists in reducing client discomfort that may in-
clude reducing anxiety and tension.
3.1.2. The identification Phase
In the identification phase, trust begins to develop, and the client identifies and attaches
themselves with those who accept them. Patient addresses personal feelings about the
experience and is encouraged to participate in care to promote personal acceptance and
satisfaction. The patient begins to identify problems to be worked on within the rela-
tionship. The meaning between feelings and behaviour of the nurse and the patient are
explored. Peplau state that when a nurse permits patient to express what they feel and
still get all the nursing that is needed, then patient can undergo illness as an experience
that reorients feelings and strengthens positive forces in the personality. The major goal
of this phase is to develop clarity about the patient’s preconceptions and expectations of
nurses and nursing, develop acceptance of each other, explore feelings, identify prob-
lems and respond to people who can offer help. Plans can be made for the future be-
tween the nurse and the patient, but the implementation of the plan signifies the begin-
ning of the exploitation phase in the working relationship.

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3.1.3 The exploitation phase
In the exploitation phase, the patient exploits all the services available to them based on
self-interest and need. The patient is assisted by the nurse in their efforts to strike a bal-
ance between the needs for dependence and independence. The plan of action is imple-
mented and evaluated. The patient may display a change in manner of communication
as new skills in interpersonal relationship and problem solving are developed. The nurse
continues to assess and assists in meeting new needs as they emerged.
3.1.4The Resolution Phase
The resolution phase is the ending phase of the nurse- patient relationship. The patient
no longer needs professional services and gives up dependent behaviour. The patient
abandons old needs and looks to new goals, continue to apply new problem-solving
skills and maintain changes in style of communication and interaction. During the reso-
lution phase, both the patient and nurse experience growth (Peplau, 1989). The ending
of nurse-patient relationship depends on the nurse and patient and this is based on their
mutual understanding. Both the patient and nurse experience some degree of independ-
ent during the resolution phase. Resolution includes planning for alternatives sources
of support, problem prevention and the patient's integration of the illness experience.
3.2 Relevance of the theory
The theory is relevant to this study because, it focuses on the interpersonal processes.
The theory explained the phases of the interpersonal process that are; Orientation, iden-
tification, exploitation and resolution including some key concepts that relevant ele-
ments to establish an effective therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the pa-
tient. Secondly, building a relationship requires two individuals, the nurse and the client.
The nurse works together with the client. Therefore, the theory has diverted the thinking
of nurses working “TO” the patients to nurses working “WITH” the clients which is an
integral aspect in building an effective therapeutic nurse – client relationship.

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4. AIMS AND RESEARCH QUESTION
The purpose of this study is to investigate articles of scientific journals related to topic
and gain insight in to the elements needed to build an effective nurse-client relationship
and to understand nurse’s roles in establishing effective nurse-client relationship. To
meet the aims of the study the following research question have been posed.
1). What are the elements needed to establish an effective therapeutic nurse-client rela-
tionship?
2). What are the roles of nurses in ensuring effective nurse-client therapeutic relation-
ship?

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5.METHODOLOGY
5.1 Data collection
The database searches that were used in the literature review were Ebscohost, science
direct, Sage journal and Google scholar. The major search words that were used for the
search were “Therapeutic relationship”, “Mental health”, “nurse- client relationship”,
“Community health”, “Component of Therapeutic relationship” . The researcher used
“and” to combine the keywords in other to get more specific and relevant articles for the
study.
In the Ebscohost database, applying the search phrases “components of therapeutic rela-
tionship and mental health, the number of hits were 261. After reading through the ab-
stract of the articles, 7 articles were collected, further reading through the articles, 5 ar-
ticles were considered relevant to the studies.
In sage journal database, applying the search phrase “nurse - client relationship and
community health”, the number of hit were 545.After reading through the abstract of the
articles, 8 articles were selected. Further reading carefully through the articles, 2 articles
were found relevant to the study.
In science, direct database applying the search phrase “nurse - Client relationship”, the
search resulted to 6240 hits. After reading carefully through the abstracts, 3articles were
selected. Further reading through the articles the 3 articles were considered relevant to
the study
Two articles were obtained from Google scholar using references of studies that have
been carried out on this topic. Applying the search phrase “nurse-client relationship and
mental health” in Ebscohost database, the number of hits were 4. After reading carefully
through the abstract of the articles, 2 articles were considered relevant to the study. The
following inclusion and the exclusion criteria were applied to the search process. The
inclusion criteria were; 1). The inclusion criteria were based on qualitative peer re-
viewed articles that have been published between the years 2005 to 2015.2) Articles that
were closely linked to the specific objectives of the study were included in the study.3)
Articles with full text, written in English language, and can be assess freely and easily

22
were included in the study. 4) Articles that give a deeper knowledge to the study from
nurse’s perspective and or client perspective were relevant for the study
The exclusion criteria were; 1) Articles that were published below the year 2005 were
not included in the study.2) Articles that were not link to the specific objectives of the
study were excluded from the study.3) Short versioned articles, written in language oth-
er than English language and cannot be freely assessed were excluded from the study.4)
Articles that require payment were excluded from the study.
The search process is illustrated on figure 1
Database EBSCOHOST
1
EBSCOHOST
2
SAGE
JOURNAL
SCIENCE
DIRECT
Search Phrase
(Applying the
Inclusion and
exclusion cri-
teria)
Nurse – Client
Relationship
and Mental
Health
Components of
Therapeutic
relationship
and mental
health
Nurse – Client
relationship
and Communi-
ty Health
Nurse – Patient
relationship.
Hits 4 261 545 6240
Reading through the abstracts of the articles
Reading care-
fully through
the articles.
The search yielded 14 articles that were considered relevant to the study.
Figure 1: The search process
2 7 8 3
2 5 2 3
12
14
2 Articles from
Google Scholar

23
5.3 Presentation of reviewed articles
1. Kanerva, A. , Kivinen, T., Lammintakanen, J., 2015. Communication Elements Sup-
porting Patient Safety in Psychiatric Inpatient care. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental
Health Nursing. Volume 22, Pp. 298 - 305.
2.Van den Heever, A.E, Poggenpoel, M., Myburgh, C.P.H.,2015. Nurses’ Perceptions
of Facilitating Genuineness in a Nurse-Patient Relationship. Health SA Gesondheid.
Volume 20 Pp 109 – 117
3.Weis, D., Schank, M.J., Matheus, R., 2006.The process of Empowerment: A parish
Nurse Perspective. Journal of Holistic Nursing. Volume 24, No 1, Pp 17-24.
4.Erickson, J., Millar S., 2005. Caring for Patients While Respecting Their Privacy. Re-
newing Our Commitment. The online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN) (Reviewed in
May 31, 2005), Volume 10, No 2. Manuscript 1.
5.Ward, J., Schaal, M., Sullivan, J., Eedmann J.B., Hojat M.,2009. Reliability and Va-
lidity of Jefferson Scale of Empathy in Undergraduate Nursing Students. Journal of
Nursing Measurement, Volume 17, Pp 73-88.
6.Crilly, J., Chaboye, W., Wallis M, 2006.Continuity of care for acutely unwell older
adult from nursing home: Scand Journal Caring Science, Volume 20. Pp 122-134
7. Dinç L., Gastmans, C.,2013. Trust in Nurse - Patient Relationships: A literature Re-
view 2013, volume 20, No 5 Pp 501 – 516
8.Rutherford, M.M., 2014. The Value of Trust to Nursing. Nursing Economic. vol-
ume32. No 6. Pp 289.
9.Kourkouta, L.,Papathanasiou,Ü. J. Communication in Nursing Practice. Material So-
cio-medica2014 vol.26 Pp 65-67
10.Sheldon, L.K, 2005. Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship. Jones & Bartlett
Learning. Section 2. Chapter 5. Pp 59 – 75.
11.Hawamdeh, S., Fakhry R., 2013. Therapeutic Relationships From the psychiatric
Nurses’ Perspective. An Interpretative Phenomenological Study. Perspective in Psychi-
atric Care. Vol 50. pp178-185
12. Scanlon, A., 2006. Psychiatric Nurses Perceptions of the constituents of therapeutic
relationship: a grounded theory study. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing.
Volume 13 pp.319-329

24
13.Dearing, K.S., Steadman S., 2009. Enhancing Intellectual Empathy. The lived expe-
rience of voice simulation. Perspectives in psychiatric care. vol. 45. No 3.
14.Bhanji, S.M., 2013. Respect and Unconditional Positive Regards as mental health
promotion practice. Journal of clinical research and bioethics. vol.4. No 3
5.4 Ethical consideration.
Before start of this research process, the author read carefully the Arcada’s ethical rules
found in “Good science practice in studies at Arcada”. Components such as fabrication,
plagiarism, falsification, theft, and ethical carelessness were put into consideration dur-
ing this study.
Angelica et al, (2000) “Ethics pertains to doing good and avoiding harm, harm can be
avoided through the application of appropriate ethical principles”. There is evidence that
every researcher is faced with ethical issues. This difficulty existing in research can be
prevented by the awareness and the use of well-established ethical principles which are
autonomy (protection of human rights), beneficence and justice. (Angelica et al, 2000).
The author put all this into consideration when reviewing articles selected for the study.
The study is written under strict scientific rules and regulations; therefore, all infor-
mation obtained from various sources has been correctly cited using Harvard style of
referencing to avoid copyright violation and plagiarism. The study uses only secondary
data extracted from the Arcada’s Academic Database, thus the subject was not in any
danger and their privacy were not compromised
5. 5 Subject selection.
Based on the 10 articles selected for this study, one of the studies (Van den Heever et al,
2015) used a quantitative contextual deductive and descriptive method. Their subjects
were nurses from private general hospital as their subjects for the study. The nurses
were self-assessed on a five-point scale in a questionnaire Descriptive and nonparamet-
ric statistical techniques were used. The specific hypotheses were tested to identify if
there is a statistical significant difference in perceptions of facilitating genuineness exist
between a nurse and a patient. (Weis, D., et al 2006) used parish nurses to select their
subjects. Based on the discussion from one of the focused group, Qualitative data col-

25
lected were then analysed and empowerment theme were identified for nurses and cli-
ents. (Kanerva et al. (2015) and Scanlon (2006) used semi-structured interview survey
to select their subjects. These subjects were nurses. Kanerva subjects were asked to de-
scribe the elements that constitute patient safety in psychiatric inpatient unit. Scanlon
interview was to find out how psychiatric nurses learn to form therapeutic relationship
and what skills are utilized within the relationship. Hawamdey, S., (2013) also used
nurses and unstructured recording interview to collect data. (Shedon L. K., 2005) used
38 years old woman (client) and a nurse as subjects to establish a therapeutic nurse -
client relationship. Ward et al. (2009) focused on nursing students to test on the reliabil-
ity and validity of the Jefferson scale of empathy. Dearing & Steadman (2009) focused
on men and women. Bhanji (2013) used a 50 years old female as the subject. The re-
maining five articles (Dinç L.& Gastmans C. (2013), Rutherford, M.M. (2014), Erick-
son J (2005), Kourkouta et al. (2014) and Wardet al., (2006) used electronic database
search to select articles for their studies.
Data Analysis
The study adopted an inductive content analysis approach that involves reading the text
thoroughly multiple times to identify the pattern, theme and inter-relationships. Content
analysis refers to a group of procedures for the systematical, replicable analysis of text.
It involves classification of part of text through the application of a structured. System-
atic coding scheme from which conclusion can be made about the message content *
(Susan R. et al. 2015). Content analysis can be suitable for a wide range of material
such as letter, article, text in newspapers, magazines, video, films and so on (Schreier
M.,2012). According to Elo S. & Kyngäs H. 2008, inductive content analysis process is
classified in to three main phases: preparation phase, organization phase and reporting
phase.
Following the systematic phase by Elo S.& Kyngös, H (2008), the author preceded by
collecting articles from the Arcada’s electronic database search elites; ebscohost, Sage
journal and science direct applying the inclusion and the exclusion criteria. Reading
through the abstract and through the articles, 10 articles were considered relevant to the
study. The author then deeper into the articles multiple times to be familiar with the
theme and events in the content of the articles and to analyse the information that an-

26
swer the research questions. In the process of reading and analysing the information sys-
tematically, the information that answer the research questions were coded by highlight-
ing the information with colours. The appropriate coded highlights that convey similar
meaning were then clustered to form sub categories. The sub categories were further
studied, analysed and regrouped to form the main category. The final results were used
to answer the research questions as illustrated on the flow chart below.
Figure 2: Illustration of the data analysis process
Identify the specific
text segments related
to the objectives
Highlight the seg-
ments with colours
to create categories
Reading care-
fully on the re-
search articles
Collecting the text
segments with
similar meaning
Answering the
research ques-
tions.
Identification categories and
merging categories similar
meaning to answer to re-
search questions

27
6. FINDINGS
The finding emphases the various component of nurses in the therapeutic relationship
which include trust, communication, empathy, genuineness, empowerment, respect,
continuity of care, confidentiality and the role of nurse as a provider of physical care,
protection, companionship, security and safety in a therapeutic relationship.
6.1 Elements of therapeutic nurse- client relationship
6.1.1 Trust
Trust is considered as one of nursing`s heftier-weighted assets and foundation in a ther-
apeutic relationship. The establishment of trust serves as a foundation of interpersonal
relationship between nurse and their patient. Trust is vital in nurse-patient relation be-
cause it reduces patient`s anxiety and enable them to get a sense of control. Without
trust it is not possible to effectively meet the needs of patients (Dunc L.& Gastmans C.
2013).
Trust is a choice that an individual makes, based on the need to trust others. Building
trust requires mutual commitment between nurse and patient. The study of (Naylor et al
2003(cited in Rutherford, M., 2014) revealed trust as an enhancer of the patient experi-
ence; trust is a nurse- sensitive quality measure that is linked to overall patient satisfac-
tion and patient trust in nursing impact the patient's perspective on the quality of the
health care system.
Patients attest to the importance of trust in their nurses” and “measurement of this trust
is significant to include in the assessment of nursing care quality” (Radwin& Cabral,
cited in Rutherford, M., 2014). A nurse -patient relationship is based primarily on trust.
Primary trust turns to be extended to the nurse by the patient unless the nurse does
something to break or destroy the covenant (Hertzberg 1988, (Lagerspetz, 1992(cited in
Rutherford, 2014).
Staughair, 2012 study (cited in Rutherford, 2015) revealed that the compassion or empa-
thy, goodwill and advocacy that a nurse embodies in his or her practice influences the
trust the patient identifies with his or her care and core values.

28
The study of Scanlon (2006) found that psychiatric nurse attached huge emphasis on the
development of trust and the initial aspect of the trusting relationship is enabling the pa-
tient to feel safe and secure and how this is conveyed to the patient. Conveying safety
and security to the patient is important. Equally significant is the ability to convey un-
derstanding of the patient's point of view.
Dinc L.& Gastmans C. (2013) stated that trust is the foundation and essential element
in any therapeutic relationship. Establishing trust with a patient is an important aspect of
nurses’ role and as a basis of continued care and treatment. The beginning phase of
therapeutic alliance from the patient view as described by state that nurses follows the
patient comments to establish rapport and trust. Nurses foster trust by being consistent
in both their words and actions. Before building a rapport, nurses and patient must feel
comfortable with each other. Trust is not something that nurses possess or are given;
instead, it is something that nurses earn and should work hard to achieve (Hem et al.
2008 (cited in Dinc L., Gastmans C., 2013)
6.1.2 Communication
Good communication between nurses and patient is essential for safe and quality health
care and it is used in various stages of care planning; Assessment, Planning, implemen-
tation and evaluation. In other to achieve this, nurses must understand and help their pa-
tients, demonstrating courtesy, kindness and sincerity (Kourkouta L. &Papathanasiou I.
2014). Therapeutic communication implies that nurses use their communication in such
a way that will be beneficial to the patient.
Communication between nurses and patient begins with the first contact of the two and
last throughout the therapeutic relationship. Studies by (Gilje et al., 2007 & Timmons,
2010 (cited in Kanerva et al., 2014) revealed that communication is one of the core
competencies in psychiatric care and plays an important role in structuring care and in
establishing a therapeutic relationship. Nurses are always the first to noticed changes in
patient status, they need to have a strong focus on communication and continue flow of
information (Deacon & Fairhurst 2008, Chang et al. 2011 cited in Kanerva et al., 2014).
The role of nurse in relation to patients is to ensure that communication is appropriate to
the patient`s understanding and values, and enables patients to empower themselves

29
(Blegen&Severinsson, (cited in Kanerva et al., 2015). The study by (Maxson et al.
2012, (cited in Kanerva et al., 2015) revealed that communication between nurse and
patient can be enhanced with practices such as bedside handovers thereby including pa-
tients as partners and active participants in communication. When communication im-
proves, nurses are aware of patient safety problems (Auerbach et al., 2012, cited in
Kanerva, et al., 2015). Communication that support patient safe in psychiatric care by
(Kanerva, et al.,2015) is presented on the diagram below
Figure 3: Communication that supports safety in Psychiatric nursing.
-Fluent information trans-
fer.
-Documentation of essen-
tial information for care
planning.
-Reading and implementa-
tion of essential care doc-
ument.
-Active nurse to nurse
transfer of patient infor-
mation and between multi-
disciplinary staffs
-Active transfer of infor-
mation about change of
ward and active transfer of
information between ward
and ward.
-Being active in
communication
Open culture
-Opportunities for
open debriefing.
-All staff members
feeling they are
head.
-Communication that
support patient safety
in psychiatric care

30
6.1.3 Empathy
Empathy is a central factor in a therapeutic relationship. In a therapeutic relationship,
empathy enables the nurse to remain objective, while actively listening to the patient’s
concern and providing an empathic response to the patient (Ward, j., et al., 2009). It
therefore allows the nurse to participate in the patient's world, assist in the process of
care and make it easier for the patient to communicate their mental status. Thus, deter-
mines the quality of this care. It allows the nurse to participate in the patient's world.
Empathy assists in the process of care and makes it easier for the patient to communi-
cate their mental status. Therapeutic relationship filled with empathy is an important
facet of patient care and determine the quality of this care.
Peplau 1988 (cited in Boyle, 2008) emphasized that nurses must pay attention to their
own feelings during interactions with patients, so that they can grasp what the patient
must be feeling. The study by Sullivan, 1990 (cited in Ward et al., 2009) found that em-
pathic communication resulted in increased patient satisfaction and decrease levels of
stress among patients while also serving as a buffer against potential psychological and
health related problems among nurses.
The ability to be empathetic develops as the nurse can redirect difficult feelings and sit-
uations experienced in the clinical setting in an encouraging and helpful manner. Peplau
cited in Ward, J., et al. (2009) stated that nursing care takes place during interaction
with patient, both knowledge and understanding of patient's needs must be developed
and enhanced during student`s course of instruction. The process of understanding of
patient needs is a critical attribute of empathy and an essential component of empathic
engagement.
To create a therapeutic relationship, nurses must be able to respond to clients empatheti-
cally, competently and intelligently (Dearing and Steadman, 2009). Empathy has been
viewed by some as a cognitive attribute, by others as an emotional (affective) character-
istic, and by the third group as a combination of both (Hojat cited in Ward et al., 2009).
Alligood, 1992 (cited in Ward et al. (2009) viewed empathy as a cognitive response,
learned and developed through basic nursing instructions and clinical practice.

31
6.1.4 Genuineness
Genuineness and openness is an important aspect in a nurse-client relationship. When a
nurse is genuine he or she will share emotional reactions to the patient difficulties and
experiences. Authenticity or genuineness is significant in therapeutic communication.
Nurses today are not always caring and genuine with themselves or with their patients in
the nurse- patient relationship (Van den Heever, 2012)
Authenticity or genuineness is significant in therapeutic communication. Nurses today
are not always caring and genuine with themselves or with their patients in the nurse-
patient relationship (Van den Heever et al., 2015). Facilitating genuineness involves
learning through socialization or experiential learning (Scanlon, 2006) and is founded in
the awareness and perception of each other in an open and trusting relationship (Bo-
zarth, (cited in Van den Heever et al., 2015).
Genuineness and truthfulness are virtues and characteristic which have long been per-
ceived as being real and transparent while honesty has been defined as truthfulness, au-
thenticity, morality, integrity and trustworthiness (Begley, Ashton, Lee & Son, Rogers
cited in Van den Heever et al., 2015). Genuineness and honesty are therefore consistent
with constructive relationship
Nurses have knowledge and skill, but they also become aware of feelings and emotions
when engage in real interactions with patient. In such interaction nurses facilitates, inte-
grate and reflect on what patient says (Van den Heever, et al., 2015). Genuineness is
expressed by the way nurses perform his or her duties, how this is conveyed to the pa-
tient and the nurse willingness to be genuine to the patient by fulfilling stated task
(Scanlon A., 2006).
6.1.5 Empowerment
According to Darlene et al. (2006), empowerment is an enabling process arising from
mutual sharing of resources and opportunities that enhance decision making to achieve
change at the individual, congregation and community level. Empowerment has become
a recommendable value in health care since 1987. A study by (Falk-Rafael, 2001 cited
in Darlene et al., 2006) indicated that it was the right and duty for people to take part in
the planning and implementation of their health care. Menon, 2002 cited in Darlene et

32
al. (2006) viewed empowerment as the conscious striving for greater participation by
individual and group in decision affecting their lives.
Empowerment is having good professional relationship between the professional team
and between the nurse and the client. In the study by (Falk-Rafael 2001 cited in Darlene
et al.2006), found that trust is central to empowerment and the development of a trusting
relationship is a key to client empowerment. Nurses themselves were empowered
through their client`s empowerment in a reciprocal effect (Darlene et al. 2006). Empow-
erment is a state arising from valuing others, and nobody can value other`s unless they
value themselves (Chavasse, 1992 cited in Darlene et al 2006).
Akerjordet & Severinsson, 2004 study (cited in Dearing, 2006) revealed that the psychi-
atric nurse who develops an understanding of the emotion and behaviours in those they
treat can more effectively empower clients in the process of developing efficient self -
esteem, obtaining necessary life skills, becoming an active participant in society and
moving toward recovery. Common to all health care disciplines is an understanding that
that empowerment involves enabling people to gain some measure of control in their
own lives
Several authors also found that knowledge creates empowerment and enhance one’s
control over his or her life (Falk-Rafael, 2001; Menon, 2002; Skinner and Cradock,
2000;(cited in Darlene et al.2006). Building on strength enhance the likelihood that em-
powerment is maximized (Dunst &Trivette, 1996 (cited in Darlene, 2006)
6.1.6 Continuity of care
Continuity of care is important in a therapeutic relationship especially as the patient be-
comes more vulnerable. The study of Haggerty et al. 2003(cited in Crilly et al., (2006)
revealed that there are two core element that constitute continuity of care, the care of an
individual patient and the care delivered over time are present in all areas that distin-
guish continuity from others. Both elements must be present for continuity of care to
exist, but their presence is not sufficient to constitute continuity. Mainours & Gill,
1998(cited in Crilly et al. (2006) suggest that continuity of care is achieved by bridging

33
discrete element in the care pathway whether different episodes, interventions by differ-
ent providers or changes in illness status. Continuity of care encompasses the ability to
support aspects that endure intrinsically over time such as patient`s values, sustained
relationships and care plans (Haggerty et al., 2003 (cited in Crilly et al., 2006).
6.1.7 Respect (unconditional positive regards)
A good therapeutic relationship can be established when patient is accepted and respect-
ed by their nurses irrespective of their behaviours. Stuart, 2009 (cited in Bhanji, 2013)
stated that acceptance means viewing patient`s action as coping behaviour that will
change as the patient becomes less threatened and learnt more adaptive ways.
Nurses foster therapeutic relationship by the feeling of companionship through under-
standing of being together, showing respect and patience. In the study of Hawamdeh S.
&Fakhry R. (2013), nurses cited respect and patience as values they have learned early
in life and which prevailed in their interaction with patient. Furthermore, behaviour use
by nurses to convey respect included taking client seriously and accepting the patient's
fault and problem
Bhanji (2013) stated that there are four categories of intervention to accomplish respect
1) acknowledging the patient's suffering and distress; 2) being non-judgement to the pa-
tient; 3) not over-powering the patient and; 4) viewing the patient as knowledgeable.
Freeth, 2007 study (cited in Bhanji, 2013 states that one barrier in practicing uncondi-
tional positive regard is the preconceived notion of people judging others through their
behaviour rather than as a person. In the mental care nurses should accept the behaviour
of their patient keeping in mind that they would change as the patient learn more adap-
tive ways of coping (Bhanji, 2013).
6.8 Confidentiality and privacy
When nurses understand that patient’s confidentiality is to be respected and their priva-
cy protected, a trusting relationship can be establishing between the nurse and the pa-
tient which can be therapeutic. Trust is lost when the nurse fails to protect patient's pri-
vacy. Erickson J. & Millar S. (2005) stated that establishing and maintaining patient's

34
trust in their nurse is critical in obtaining a complete, accurate health record and carry-
ing out and effective treatment plan.
Various laws have been enacted advocating for patient `s right related to privacy and
confidentiality. Nurses are important in ensuring that organizations create an environ-
ment to safeguard patient`s right to confidentiality (Erickson J. & Millar S., 2005). The
American association nursing (2001) code of ethics states “The nurse advocate for an
environment that provides for sufficient physical privacy, including auditory privacy for
discussion of a personal nature and policies and practices that protect the confidentiality
of information”. The transfer of information is vital for patient safety. Nurses provide
information that involves patient treatment to both the patient and the family. Good
quality care is enhanced by good communication skill provided by the nurse. The com-
munication process in psychiatric nursing is described as a more informal process, with
a given agenda of giving and gaining information (Scanlon, A., 2006).
Patients’ information should not be discussed where others can overhear the conversa-
tion (in hallways, on elevators, in the cafeterias, in restaurants etc). It is not appropriate
to discuss clinical information in public areas even if a patient`s name is not used. This
can raise doubts among patient and visitors about respect for their privacy (Personal
communication, Massachusetts general Hospital, privacy and confidentiality committee,
2004).
6.2. The role of nurse in Therapeutic relationship
The provision of high quality service by nurse is a fundamental part of nurse role in a
therapeutic relationship. For the nurse to provide this service, the various key compo-
nent of nurse-patient relationship is essential. The study by Hawamdeh & Fakhary
(2012) revealed that nurse role in an effective nurse- patient relationship involves the
provision of physical care, conveying safety and security and protection. Nurses can
have established the provision of physical care through two sub themes, helping with
self-care and treatment and attending to client`s concern of daily living.
The findings from the study of Hawamdeh & Fakhary (2012) indicated that psychiatric
nurse have a responsibility to assist client with self-care especially when a patient is un-

35
able to look after him/herself, that is being disable. The professional aspect of helping
clients with self-care and treatment relates to how psychiatric nurse change the level of
assistance provided based on patient's daily living needs, preferences and health condi-
tion. By attending to patient concerns of daily need other than self-care need, patient
was able to establish a trusting relationship.
In the mental setting, psychiatric nurse has a code of conduct augmented by personal
morals and ethics and because they are bound by a code of conduct and a duty of care,
makes therapeutic relationship different from any kind of relationship. Furthermore, the
development of therapeutic relationship depends upon the nature of the patient's illness
and disorder and that continuity of care is important in relation to building therapeutic
relationships because of the relationship development being beyond the control of the
individual nurse (Scanlon A., 2006)
Nurses can convey a sense of safety and security to the patient as a component of thera-
peutic relationship through establishing trust, genuineness, humour, accessibil-
ity, providing information, conscious decision making etc. as subthemes. The study by
Scanlon A. (2006) revealed that conveying safety and security is important and equally
important is the ability to convey understanding of the patient's point of view. Trust as a
sub theme is built over time. The initial aspect of a trusting relationship is enabling the
patient to feel safe and secure and how this is conveyed to the patient. When nurses
guarantee patient security and safety, patient can confide in them.
Genuineness as a subtheme was emphasis as a component in establishing a client -nurse
therapeutic relationship. Nurses present themselves as being able to offer help and pro-
mote genuine interest in and respect to patient, which is show genuine care during inter-
action with patient (Van den Heever, Poggenpoel & Myburgh, 2015).
Nurses have knowledge and skill, but they also become aware of feelings and emotions
when engage in real interactions with patient. In such interaction nurses facilitates, inte-
grate and reflect on what patient says (Van den Heever, Poggenpoel & Myburgh, 2015).
Genuineness is expressed by the way nurses perform his or her duties, how this is con-
veyed to the patient and the nurse willingness to be genuine to the patient by fulfilling
stated task (Scanlon A., 2006).

36
The subtheme accessibility expresses the nurse being available and given time to the
client - nurse relationship. The study of Hawamdeh S. &Fakhry R. (2013) suggested
that nurses frequently had to prioritize the use of their time and that the progress of their
therapeutic relationship require time and did not happen at once. Previous study by
(Crowe, O'Malley, & Gordon; Forchuk & Reynolds, 2001; O'Brien, 2001 (cited in Ha-
wamdeh & Fakhry, 2013) have confirmed accessibility is an important aspect in the
nurse patient relationship.
The literature review highlights the use of humour as an understated skill to foster ther-
apeutic relationship. Humour was used by the nurse to engage further with the patient
and make the patient feel at ease (Scanlon A., 2006). The transfer of information is vital
for patient safety. Nurses provide information that involves patients’ treatment to both
the patient and the family. Good quality care is enhanced by good communication skill
provided by the nurse. The communication process in psychiatric nursing is described
as a more informal process, with a given agenda of giving and gaining information
(Scanlon A., 2006). Nurses expressed protective component in a therapeutic relationship
by keeping an eye on the patient, comforting and reassuring client when disturbed. The
study of Hawamdeh S. &Fakhry R. (2013) revealed that nurses express protective role
by intervening when a patient looked tense or anxious or act in a strange manner and
performed the role of peacekeeping in case of verbal outburst between patient especially
in a mental setting. The nurse will foster therapeutic relationship by talking to the pa-
tient what is bothering him or her. Protection can also be foster by comforting and reas-
suring the patient when disturbed. The study of Hawamdeh S. &Fakhry R. (2013) found
that nurses provide reassurance when patient are fearful or suspicious of their environ-
ment by putting them at ease by answering their question and queries. Furthermore, ac-
tions associated with providing reassurance were evident in instances when patient pre-
sented potential physical harms to themselves and /or to others.

37
7. DISCUSSION
The aim of this study is to review various literatures and report the various phases in
establishing an effective nurse- client relationship and the role of nurses in ensuring ef-
fective nurse -client therapeutic alliance as outlined by Peplau (1988) in the context of
patients’ experiences of nursing.
Trust and communication are vital in all aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Trust
start in the orientation phase and it is build when the patient is confidence in the nurse.
Patient gain trust when the nurse is consistent. Communication facilitates and fosters the
development of trust in all phases in a therapeutic relationship. Trust and communica-
tion are mutually related as trust enables effective communication so as effective com-
munication help to foster better trust. It is evidence that trust tend to mediate therapeutic
processes and has indirect influence in health outcomes through its impact on patient
satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and continuity with a provider and that it encour-
ages patients to access health care and to make appropriate disclosure of information so
that accurate and timely diagnostic is made (Calnan& Rowe 2004 ).
Several factors facilitate trust and hinder trust in the nurse- patient relationship. Belcher,
2009 study (cited in Dinc & Gastmans, 2013) reported that personal life and home envi-
ronment could affect a nurse state of mind and potentially influence the ability to effec-
tively communicate. Nursing personal qualities such as honesty, trustworthiness, (Gold-
berg l. S. 2008, Langley G.C., 2005) confidentiality, (Belcher M., 2009, Shepherd M.L.,
2011) commitment to providing the best care, (Belcher M., 2009) authenticity, (Shep-
herd M.L., 2011) sensitivity, humility and the ability to see the whole situation (Eriks-
son I & Nilsson K. 2008) cited in Dinc &Gastmans, 2013) were important in establish-
ing trust.
The lack of knowledge and skill to undertake nursing procedures and the use of medical
terminologies that the patient could not understand create a language barrier and im-
paired effective communication and the building of a trusting relationship. The language
of communication should be at the level of the listener, who is not able to asses our sci-
entific knowledge but must understand what we are telling him/her (Papagiannis A.
2003). A trusting relationship allows nurses to undertake painful procedure with a min-
imum of distress (Bricher, 1999 (cited in Dinc& Gastman, 2013). The trust worthiness

38
of a nurse is a valuable assert that need protection because when trust is lost it is diffi-
cult to be regain.
Listening is vital during nurse- patient communication. When nurse listen, they under-
stand the patient’s problem. Communication between nurse and patient begin with ini-
tial contact and last throughout the therapeutic relationship. Communication between
nurse and patient requires ample time because each patient has a different way and pace
to receive and perceive information about their health problem.
Frankness and honesty are important requirement to foster a proper and successful
communication between nurse and patient. The discussion with the patient should live
no suspicions, doubts and misunderstanding (Kourkouta L.& Ioanna V.P., 2014).
Communication in nursing requires three main activities, effective listening, talking and
understanding. In mental health, it is vital to pay attention to all elements of communi-
cation (Kanerva A., Kivinen T. & lammintakaven J., 2015). Many errors in healthcare
relate to poor communication (Fallowfield, 2010 (cited in Kanerva et al., 2015) and it
has been noted that psychiatric care need to develop effective communication processes
(Simpson, 2007 cited in Kanerva et al., 2015).
Empathy is vital in nurse- patient relationship. Empathy is view in the orientation phase
as described by Peplau 1988, when the nurse displayed genuine interest in the patient
and show empathy. In a therapeutic relationship, it is empathy that enables the nurse to
remain objective, while actively listening to the patient`s concerns and providing an
empathic response to the patient (Ward J., Schaal M., Sullivan J., Erdmann J.B., Hojat
M., 2009).
In nurse- patient relationship, empathy can be described as the nurse desire to under-
stand the patient feeling from the patient`s views without experiencing the emotional
content (Lisa K.S., 2014) This form of understanding make the nurse to identify the pa-
tient`s concerns clearly and intervene more accurately. The nurse shows empathy by
demonstrating that he/ she understands the patient's feelings (Lisa K.S., 2014). For the
nurse perspective, empathy would involve accurate perception of the client's experience
and the ability to relate that perception in a supportive way.

39
Females turn to be more empathetic than male (Wolf ES 1980) probably due to biologi-
cal need of such attribute in childbearing. Empathy contributes to patient satisfaction
(Suchman et al. 1993) leading to better therapeutic adherence and relationship (Levin-
son, Roter. 1995, (cited in Larson., Yao X., 2005) and better therapeutic efficacy (Re-
verby S. 1987 study (cited in Mudiyanse, 2016.)
Genuineness is an important assert to foster and facilitates a therapeutic relationship.
The establishment of genuineness between a nurse and a client form the basis of a ther-
apeutic process. The extent to which the nurse can be honest with himself/herself with
the patient establishes this basic (Heslop A. 1992). Truth telling and genuineness in the
nurse patient relationship is intrinsically good, and doing “good” is an ethical principle
(Poggenpoel M. & Myburgh (cited in Van den Heever2015). Knowledge and skills play
a vital role in facilitating genuineness in nurse -patient relationship and can be acquired
through learning and teaching (Pickens, 2005(cited in Van den Heever, 2015).
Client empowerment is vital in all facet of a therapeutic relationship. During the phase
of empowerment, patients achieve their full potential and are transforming from de-
pendence to independence. When patients are empowered, they can make decision with
their nurse regarding their treatment. Empowered patient are people who have the nec-
essary knowledge, skills, attitudes and self-awareness about their condition to under-
stand their lifestyle and treatment options and make informed choice about their health
(Patient empowerment centeredness committee, European health parliament report,
2015).
Patient empowerment involves patient education and motivation in such a way that they
will develop their own method of managing their problem by internalizing the need for
self-changes with guidance from the health care professional (Levensky ER,
Forcehimes A, O'Donohue W.T, Beitz K, 2007 (cited in Mudiyanse, 2016). Asking pa-
tient ideas and encouraging them to express their opinion and expectations would help
empowered patients (Kurtz, Suzanne M. 2005, Anderson LW, Krathwohl DR,
2005(cited in Mudiyanse, 2016). Nurses can employ motivational interviewing as a
counselling technique by establishing enhancing partnership with their patient and pro-
moting patient to set a goal for self- management.

40
Patient can benefit from greater continuity of care when nurses collaborate with their
patient. Communication between nurses, nurse and client and information transfer be-
tween sites are core component in other to establish a more robust continuity of care.
Williams A. 2004 cited in Crilly, 2006 suggests that research is needed to identify what
facilitates continuous, coordinated, cost-effective care that improves outcomes for pa-
tient with co morbidities in acute care and everyday life.
The use of case management and discharge planning model as a specific service to fos-
ter continuity of care for older adult in hospital has some limitations because they can
be incoherent (Williams A. 2004, Sparbel KJH & Anderson MA. 2000, McCann TV
&Baker H. 2003 (cited in Crilly, 2006), lack accountability (McCann TV & Baker H.
2003(cited in Crilly, 2006) and focus on individual chronic illness.
Nurses should accept and respect patient despite their belief, behaviours and habit. It is
in this regard that a trusting relationship can be established. When patient feel that they
are accepted, respected and not stigmatized, they feel dignify and empowered.
Unconditional positive regards give patient an opportunity to communicate their feel-
ings and thought without fear of being stigmatized (Bhanji 2013). Patient in a mental
setting may have unhealthy habit, difficulties in maintaining their personal hygiene but
the goal of the nurse is to accept and respect them for what they are, and not taking the
patient's altitude personally but to work with the patient to establish the goal of care.
In mental health care setting respect and unconditional positive regard can be communi-
cated by verbal and nonverbal communication through altitude as well as activities or
actions. This include providing silence to a crying patient, genuine laughter or gesture
of happiness at certain event, accepting a patient's request of keeping secret or experi-
ence, apologising for unintentional hurt caused by a phrase, being open to the anger or
hurt cause by the patient and not taking patient's behaviour or words personally (Bhanji
2013).
Maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality by the nurse can be very challenging.
Patient privacy is the right to keep their medical information secret while confidentiality
is how as nurses treat private information once it has been disclosed to other or us (Er-
ickson J. & Millard S. 2005). Health information is given by the patient on the basis that

41
the information is not shared to the third party. The disclosure of health information by
patient to their caretakers would depend on trust in the therapeutic relationship.
Communicating patient information through electronic messages and new computer
technology might not be a secure way. Even it is done, the patient name should not be
included in the electronic correspondences except it is deem necessary. Nurses and oth-
er health professionals in charge of patient information must be smart and sensitive
when communicating patient information by fax, telephone, email or other technology
yet to be developed (Ives Erickson, 1999).
7.1. Strength, Limitation and Recommendation
One of the greatest strength of this study is that, the results are not only important to
psychiatric nursing but can also be applying in all evidence-based practices. Secondly,
the author was not bias in the data searching process, creation of sub-categories and
main categories to answer the research questions.
The search was limited on articles published between 2005 - 2015 and peer reviewed
journal, articles in English abstract with full text, therefore, there is the possibility selec-
tion bias as some important articles have been left out. Limited also in articles from the
arcada’s library and to some extend some articles require an account to be created and
some must buy online before gain access, which are very expensive.
Mental health and therapeutic relationship is a very broad topic. Several studies have
been carried out in therapeutic nurse-client relationship both nurses and client perspec-
tives, but more studies need to be done on genuineness, respect on therapeutic relation-
ship on client perspectives. Because of the limited health care workers and busy sched-
ule, there is absolutely no time to build up effective nurse-client relationship therefore
more training should be carried out to re-educate nurses on the importance of therapeu-
tic nurse-client relationship. The author did not come across any study on health promo-
tion in therapeutic relationship. Therefore, the author recommends a study to be carried
out on health promotion in therapeutic relationship.

42
8.CONCLUSIONS
The literature review highlights trust, communication, empathy, genuineness, empow-
erment, respect, continuity of care and patient confidentiality as the core components of
nurse- patient relationships. The study also illustrates the role of nurses in a therapeutic
relation to nursing practice as a service provider in the provision of physical care to pa-
tient, conveying safety and security to patient and protection.
Good communication and trusting relationship is important as observed in the literature
as it improve the care quality of patient. Client empowerment was also observed in the
study as it increases knowledge and self-respect which foster patient dependency.
The study also indicates that the process of the therapeutic relationship is essential for
patient recovery. It is important that nurses understand the process needed to foster,
maintain and repair of therapeutic relationship. It was also seen that the process of pa-
tient recovery requires trust, respect, genuineness, dignity and patient empowerment.
The nurse policy and role description as reflected in their code of ethic is to provide
good quality care hence nurses are to be equipped with the tools necessary so that
Patients are care for in a dignified manner.

43
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APPENDICES
Appendix I: Presentation of reviewedarticles
N
o
Year
of
public
ation
Arthor n Design method ArticleResult
1 2006 Scanlon 6 Qualitative Data were
Collected
through semi-
structured
indepth
interview.Grou
nd theory was
used to
analysed data.
The resultof the
study indicated that
the process of
developing
therapeutic
relatioship is a
combination of
learned experiences
through the aquiring
of interpersonal
skills
2 2013 Sana
Hawamdey
17 Qualitative Data were
collected
through
unstructured
record
interview.Indu
ctive analysis
was used to
analysed data
collected
The study revealed
that nurses
emphasized the
importance of
relationship.
The main
Theme
were provision of
physical
care,conveying
safety and
security,protection
and companionship
3 2015 A Kanerva ,
T Kivinen
& J
Lammintak
anen
26 Qualitative Semi-
structured
interview was
used to collect
data . Data
were analysed
inductively
Three categories
were found flent
information tranfer.
Open
communication
culture and being
active in information

49
collecting.All this
play an inportant
role in
communication.
4 2014 LambriniKo
urkoula and
Loanne
Qualitative Electronic
database
search
The study find out
that good
communication is
not only based on
the physical abilities
of nurses, but also
on education and
experience.
5 2015 Anna
Elizabeth
Van den
Heever
18
1
Qualitative Questionnaire
wereused to
collect data.
Descriptive
statistic and
non-parametric
statistic
techniques
were used to
analysed data.
When the groups
were compared
,statistical
significant different
were identified in
nurses’ perceptions
of facilitating
genuineness existed
between two or
more groups
6 2009 Julia Ward
et al
33
3
Quantitative Modified
version of
Jefferson scale
was
administered
to 333 nurses
physicians and
medical
students to test
for the
reliability and
validity of
empathy
They concluded that
the empathy scale
used in the study is a
psychometrically
sound instrument for
measuring empathy
in undergraduate
nursing students
7 2006 Darlene
Weis et al
28 Qualitative Data were
obtained from
group
discussion and
empowerment
Theme
Were
Six items were
found as sources of
empowerment for
both nurses and
clients.Empowerme
nt is a reciprocal
process between

50
identified for
nurses and
clients
nurses and clientss
8 2013 Leyla Dinc 34
arti
cle
s
Qualitative Lierature
review.
Nurses’ professioal
competencies and
interpersonal caring
attributes were
important in
developing trust
9 2014 Marcella M.
Rutherford
Qualitative Literature
review base on
the value of
trust to nursing
Nurse’s trust
worthiness is an
intangible asset that
warrants protection
as ones lost is hard
to recapture.
10 2005 Erickson
J,Millar S
Qualitative Literature
review.
Nurses were re-
mained on the impo-
tent of keeping pa-
tient’s information
private.
11 2005 Lisa K 2 Qualitative Data collected
from conversa-
tion between a
patient and a
nurse
The nurse patient
relationship is the
corner stoneof the
spectrum of health
illness and recovery.
The establishment of
therapeutic
relationship is
facilitated by the
nurse and is patient
centered and goal
oriented.
12 Julia Crilly Qualitative Databasesearc
hof CINAHC
and
MEDLINE
utilizing the
search term”
continuity of
care” older
adult””
Nursing
home””
emergency
department
and acute
The contemporary
meaning of
continuity of care is
that it incorporates
care of an
individuality over
time by bridging
discreet element on
the care pathway

51
illness”
13 2013 Sahreen
Malik
Bhanji
1 qualitative Literature
review
The study found that
respect is a basic
human right. Asa
mental health
professional, they
should treat their
patient with respect
and treat them the
way they are.
14 2009 Dearing &
Steadman
28 qualitative They used
narrative
investigation
of reflective
writing of the
lived
experience of
hearing voices
through voice
simulation to
obtain data.
The result indicated
that the ability to
change attitude
focuses on the
development of
therapeutic
relationship was
enhanced