Teaching group dynamics: a critical evaluation of an experiential programme

Nursing interventions based on a groupapproach have increased considerably in recent years. Although more common in mental health settings, group interventions are no longer exclusive to them. s paper the authors argue that groups are now such a common feature of the experiences of all nurses that it is essential that educational programmes for nurses provide them with an opportunity to become acquainted with the ever-widening body of theory related to this subject. They identify the dissatisfaction and problems generated by the existing strategy for introducing pre-registration students to group dynamics in their college. A new course intended to address this dissatisfaction is described, including an outline of the principles which underpinned its design, and an evaluation of its implementation.