“It’s a Mixed Bag”: An Interpretive Description of the Person-Centred Mental Health Nursing Care Received by Individuals During an Inpatient Hospitalization

The aim of this study was to explore individuals' perspectives on the person-centred nursing care they received during a recent mental health inpatient hospitalization. Eight individuals who were admitted to an inpatient unit in the previous 12 months participated in the study. The study was guided by the Person-centred Practice Framework and used the methodology of Interpretive Description. The constant comparative method supported the analysis resulting in three themes: 1) The rare, but precious, moments of person-centred care, 2) The relationship with my nurse: A fluctuating connection, and 3) The pearls and perils of the care environment. Those interviewed described few person-centred experiences. The fragile relationships between participants and their nurses and the fear experienced in the care environment may have contributed to this finding. Our findings are consistent with existing evidence, as the challenges of implementing person-centred care are broad in scope and not easily managed. Study results may encourage nurses to critically reflect on their own practice and consider meaningful changes in how they work. Further, health organizations may consider how they can better support nurses in the delivery of person-centred care through policy development, staff training, and creating environments that foster shared decision-making, safety, and meaningful engagement.