Based on English research, the ''Safewards'' model aims to reduce conflict and the need for measures such as seclusion and manual restraint in wards.
Mental health nursing director Heather Casey said the method had been in place at the SDHB for a year and the board wanted to hold a symposium some time this year.
''We've got to a point now where we feel: 'This is really good stuff, let's talk about it'.''
It was good for the board to be at the forefront of something positive, Mrs Casey said.
''This is something that we've chosen to do because we believe in the research.
''It's not about getting ahead of other DHBs, but it is nice to be leading the way on something.
''We've had lots of learnings throughout the process so we want to share that with other DHBs.''
Some staff resisted the idea of sharing more information, but their misgivings were overcome when they understood what was involved, Mrs Casey said.
Staff are encouraged to provide ''non-controversial'' information about interests and hobbies.
''Staff often know the background and interests of people using services, which gives them information to start a conversation.
''The same can work in reverse, where the service user has information about individual staff members to start a conversation and find areas of common interest.
''The mutual familiarity and knowledge can help form faster relationships which leads on to several benefits, such as people feeling more comfortable and reassured during their admission,'' Mrs Casey said.
The method involves using ''soft words'' in certain situations, and providing extra reassurance for patients at difficult times.
Staff also take part in ''bad news mitigation'' to soften its potential effect.
Patients are encouraged to write positive messages on a ''hope tree''.
More broadly, the board is trying to reduce seclusion and other forms of restraint in mental health wards, and the rates are reducing.
''We've been doing other things as well; I couldn't say hand on heart that it's all to do with Safewards, but it's significantly reduced,'' Mrs Casey said.
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MH staff have always shared chat with patients, in a circumspect way. I think there are patient/client boundaries issues. Nurses are professionals, aspiring to an unconditional positive regard model of practice, but they are not patients' friends. Say you've got Stickybeak the Kiwi on ward? Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.
It would be unhelpful to adopt the 'Group' practice of sitting in a circle and sharing. Staff are facilitators. Patients, given a fair go, are motivated to get better. Sometimes, they assault others, and rightly face police charges. I know nothing of intake management, but it may be impossible to look after the interests of all, without giving one agitated patient seclusion.