What is it about?
To gain an understanding of current safety and security measures, a London- wide survey of acute admission wards was undertaken revealing a wide variety of measures and policies in operation.
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Why is it important?
Results show that a significant proportion of acute admission wards are now locked at all times and a small proportion of units have 24-hour security/reception staff on-site and a low level of modern technology usage such as CCTV and electronic access systems. There is wide variation in items banned, restrictions placed on inpatients, and the searching of patients and visitors.
Perspectives
There is some preliminary evidence that these security policies are differentially associated with levels of absconding and violent incidents. Further research to guide practice is urgently required.
Dr Edward McCann
City, University of London
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Safety and security policies on psychiatric acute admission wards: results from a London-wide survey, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, August 2002, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2850.2002.00492.x.
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