Psychotherapeutic interventions by nurses in adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder exhibit symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, anhedonia, and avolition. The disorder presents additional challenges, including lack of insight, and nonadherence, leading to a slower recovery process. Establishing a robust therapeutic alliance may mitigate these symptoms and barriers, thereby reducing the risk of relapse and hospitalisation. Psychotherapeutic interventions administered by nurses have the potential to enhance the strength of the therapeutic alliance. The research question posed is: Do psychotherapeutic interventions by nurses improve the outcomes of adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder? The PICO elements are as follows: the population compromises adults diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, the intervention involves psychotherapeutic interventions, the comparison is treatment as per usual, and the outcome measures include improved functionality and quality of care. Inclusion criteria encompass peer-reviewed articles focusing on adults diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, published within the last decade, in English and without geographical restrictions. Exclusion criteria involve non-English studies, publications older than ten years, studies exclusively based in community settings and those addressing comorbid disorders. Following the retrieval of relevant research, CEBM tools were employed to evaluate and critique randomised controlled trials, integrative reviews, and meta-analyses identified in this dissertation. The results indicate that nurses can implement psychotherapeutic interventions, which may lead to improved outcomes for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. However, further research in this area, particularly conducted by nurses and within local contexts, is warranted.