A process evaluation of a registered nurse led patient education group program for psychiatric inpatients

Background: A Registered Nurse (RN) led patient education group program could be one intervention to help psychiatric inpatients make positive health choices and build stability and resilience to improve overall mental health and wellness. One such program is the RN-Led Patient Education Group Program that exists in an acute care psychiatric unit at a tertiary care setting in Newfoundland, Canada, but that program has not been evaluated. Purpose: The purpose of this practicum project was to conduct a process evaluation of that program. Methods: A literature review, consultations, and an environmental scan informed the process evaluation. Results: Key findings from the process evaluation included the need to revise the current program and develop an implementation and evaluation plan. Conclusion: The RN-Led Patient Education Group Program is an innovative mental health and wellness programs for this population but there is a need to develop a plan for future implementation and evaluation.