Effect of Limit Setting Technique Program for Psychiatric Nurses on their Knowledge, Opinions and Practices: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract Background: Effective and therapeutic limit setting techniques should be endeavors to patients' safety and nurses' professionalism; it should be utilized in a collaborative, cooperative and supportive context of a therapeutic relationship. The limit setting has its salutary and profitable uses that nurses should avail and exploit. Aim: The study aimed to assessing the impact of a training program regarding limit-setting techniques on psychiatric nurses’ knowledge and attitudes as well as patients’ perceived practices. Method: All nurses working in the mental health hospital enrolled in the study (N= 80), as well as convenient patients that were willing to participate in the study (N=86). To collect data for the present study, three open- ended structured questionnaires. Results: Statistical significant differences were noticed between nurses’ knowledge, opinions and practices scores regarding the use of the limit setting techniques with psychiatric patients before and after the program. Conclusion: Significant differences were found between pretest and posttest scores about nurses’ information as well as their considerations in applying limit setting. Recommendations: Further training programs regarding therapeutic communication skills are also recommended for the better implication of this training program