Commentary on: Sebergsen K, Norberg A, Talseth AG. Confirming mental health care in acute psychiatric wards, as narrated by persons experiencing psychotic illness: an interview study. BMC Nurs 2016;15:3.

Implications for practice and research Mental health professionals must value the therapeutic relationship as central to providing recovery focused nursing care to people experiencing acute psychosis on acute mental health wards.

Therapeutic alliances can be maintained by skilled mental health professionals even when containment measures are required.

Further research focused on detailed accounts of therapeutic interactions could provide the basis for the development of practice guidance, measurement of outcomes and enhanced education of mental health professionals. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details