Interactional workshops for mental health nursing students: an action research cycle and reflections of students' experiences

Therapeutic engagement and interaction are core skills which mental health nursing students need to learn. Traditional teaching approaches may not arm students sufficiently in these practical skills, as they may focus too heavily on theory and process. Educational rationale underpinning the change to workshop format is explored, along with focus on the action research cycle. Findings and their relevance are explored and changes emanating from the cycle discussed. Students reflections are given to contextualise the subjective feelings and thoughts of a workshop participant.