2026 ECNP Congress

PS03-3218

Enhancing the therapeutic relationship in an acute mental health unit

Maria Teresa Campillo — E. Mur Mila, S. Piñar Rodriguez · Hospital del Mar- Barcelona, ISM . Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine- Autònoma de Barcelona University- Barcelona- Spain- Neurosciences Research Programme- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute IMIM- Barcelona- Spain., Santa Coloma de Gramenet- Barcelona, Spain

2026 ECNP Congress

A sense of humor is defined as an individual’s capacity or ability to perceive and appreciate humor. The attitudes of mental health professionals can foster a more positive and closer therapeutic relationship with patients. Studies highlight that such attitudes are perceived by service users as strengthening confidence in their capacity for recovery, demonstrating an absence of judgment, conveying availability, and promoting a more humanized approach [1]. Research suggests that interventions incorporating a sense of humor (SH) engage multiple cognitive, affective, and interpersonal processes, which may in turn enhance interpersonal relationships[2]. This proposal aims to strengthen the therapeutic relationship by promoting the use of humor as a communicative resource, thereby enhancing professionals’ communication skills, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of care and the well-being of both patients and professionals. Specific objectives include fostering professionals’ creativity and confidence in the use of humor, as well as improving patients’ perceptions of the care received. The project proposes training sessions on humor and its application in clinical practice, with pre- and post-intervention evaluation. Specific objectives:

    1. Strengthen the therapeutic alliance between patients and professionals.
    1. Improve patients’ perceptions of the quality of care received.
    1. Promote the use of humor as a tool to enhance personal well-being and the work environment among professionals.
    1. Increase professionals’ confidence and comfort in using humor during interactions with patients.

The proposed training includes:

Module I: Uses play and participatory dynamics to introduce the conceptual framework of humor as a powerful tool for transformation.

Module II: Explores socially constructed prejudices regarding the roles we occupy within the healthcare system and society. Similar to a clown, healthcare professionals often assume predefined roles that require critical reflection. Through dialogue and emotional understanding, the training will complement scientific knowledge with the ability to understand and empathize with patients.

Module III: Through image theatre techniques, participants will be provided with space and tools for personal expression.

Module IV: Based on participants’ personal experiences, everyday professional situations are addressed. Through simple and humorous theatrical techniques, participants will discover tools to manage these situations, with the aim of strengthening the therapeutic relationship.

Impact evaluation will include:

  • · The Multidimensional Humor Questionnaire for Healthcare Professionals (EMHUPS) by Leñero-Cirujano et al.
  • · The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).

The effectiveness of the training and the acquisition of knowledge in humor-based communication skills among mental health professionals will be assessed using an ad hoc scale. Patients’ perceptions of improvements in their interactions and personal well-being with mental health professionals will also be evaluated using an ad hoc scale. Pre- and post-training results will be compared.

This project was selected as a “Projecte Estrella” by Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain. Its implementation has been made possible through this grant. These grants support pioneering initiatives aimed at improving the quality of care, promoted by Hospital del Mar to foster innovation and encourage the active involvement of its healthcare professionals in patient care. The selected proposals seek to transform healthcare delivery through novel approaches to care, management, and technology.

References

  1. Romeu-Labayen M, Rigol Cuadra MA, Galbany-Estragués P, Blanco Corbal S, Giralt Palou RM, Tort-Nasarre G. Trastorn de personalitat borderline en un entorn comunitari: experiències dels usuaris del servei en la relació terapèutica amb infermers de salut mental. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 2020;29(5):868-877. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12720.
  2. Wyszomirska J, Martyniak E, Bąk-Sosnowska M. No és una broma. Llenguatge metafòric i sentit de l’humor en la esquizofrènia. Psychiatria Polska. 2020;54(4):687-700. doi: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/110142