Report on a scoping review of nursing interventions for young people's psychological wellbeing

Abstract

This paper reports on a two-part mixed methods scoping project, funded by the RCN Foundation, to review the available evidence and undertake a Delphi study of nurse-led interventions. Nurses in the field were surveyed to understand their role in promoting children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing across the UK. A scoping review of the literature was undertaken and a two-part Delphi survey was developed and managed. Results of the literature review were inconclusive. There was a paucity of literature, particularly in the UK, suggesting that nurses may be under-represented in the research seeking to make recommendations concerning their profession. 244 responses to the Delphi method survey were received. Responses confirmed the fundamental importance of the therapeutic relationship. They also suggested that nurse-led pre-crisis and early interventions which addressed the mental health and emotional wellbeing needs of children and young people were being extensively utilised. All countries and all regions appeared to have primarily community-based services. School-based services were perceived to be highly beneficial. Early interventions typically targeted levels of resilience, emotional regulation and the prevention of ongoing mental health problems. Respondents viewed these interventions as effective but often encountered organisational and practical challenges, including access to training and ongoing supervision.