Note from the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC): In March 2006, the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario amended the current practice recommendations for this topic. Through the review process, no recommendations were added or deleted, however two recommendations were reworded to reflect new knowledge. The recommendations have been noted below as "changed" or "unchanged."
Practice Recommendations
Recommendation 1 (Unchanged)
Crisis intervention is founded on a particular set of values and beliefs, and guiding principles.
Recommendation 2 (Changed March 2006)
Knowledge of the three core components of crisis intervention theory (a precipitating event, client perception of the event, and the client's usual coping methods) is fundamental to identify clients in crisis.
Recommendation 3 (Unchanged)
The delivery of crisis intervention is based on an integrative framework.
Recommendation 4 (Unchanged)
A wide array of therapeutic communication skills is a pre-requisite to effective intervention with clients in crisis.
Recommendation 5 (Unchanged)
A comprehensive holistic assessment is performed prior to engaging in any plan to resolve crises.
Recommendation 6 (Unchanged)
Nurses are directly involved in all aspects of crisis intervention including assessment, intervention, referrals and linkages, and short-term follow up.
Recommendation 7 (Unchanged)
Teaching and educating clients, families, colleagues, and the community about crisis intervention and prevention are essential to promote mental health.
Education Recommendations
Recommendation 8 (Unchanged)
Education and ongoing learning opportunities are required for nurses to implement best practices in crisis intervention.
Recommendation 9 (Unchanged)
The core curriculum in nursing education includes the following key components:
- Crisis intervention theory and practice
- Sound knowledge of the principles of the therapeutic relationship, and their application to crisis intervention
- The provision of regular clinical supervision
Organization and Policy Recommendations
Recommendation 10 (Unchanged)
Organizational commitment to providing quality crisis intervention services is reflected in its mission and vision statements, as well as through allocation of resources to develop, implement, and support the services.
Recommendation 11 (Unchanged)
To enhance the continuum of crisis care, the organization continuously strives to achieve a collaborative and integrative crisis intervention practice model within an interdisciplinary team.
Recommendation 12 (Unchanged)
The organization actively advocates for the provision of quality crisis intervention care on multiple levels (individual, family, and community).
Recommendation 13 (Changed March 2006)
Nursing best practice guidelines can be optimally implemented when adequate planning, resources, organizational and administrative support, as well as the appropriate facilitation, exist. An organizational plan for developing and implementing crisis intervention services includes:
- An assessment of organizational readiness and barriers to education
- Involvement of all members (whether in a direct or indirect supportive function) who will contribute to the implementation process
- Dedication of a qualified individual to provide the support needed for the education and implementation process
- Ongoing opportunities for discussion and education to reinforce the importance of best practices
- Opportunities for reflection on personal and organizational experience in implementing guidelines.
