The effectiveness of community mental health nursing: a review

In view of the importance currently attached to evidence‐based health care, we present a systematic review of publications about the effectiveness of community mental health nursing interventions. Only 11 studies were identified which used an experimental design, focused solely on the nursing intervention, and were conducted in the UK since 1965. Not only is the evidence limited, but it does not examine those areas of work in which most community mental health nurses are involved, and the methodological rigour of the identified studies can be questioned. Other types of research with the potential to inform community mental health nursing practice are suggested. Research into the outcome of community mental health nursing interventions has made disappointing progress over the past decade.