Nursing staff characteristics and the use of seclusion and restraint in forensic inpatient settings.

What is it about?

Abstract Background/Aims Seclusion and restraint use in health care is controversial. Such practices occur more frequently in forensic mental health settings than in acute mental health settings. There is growing interest in staff factors and their influence on such practices. The aim of this review was to identify and appraise studies that explore whether nursing staff characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity and physical stature, influenced the use of these practices in forensic mental health settings. Methods Eight electronic databases were searched to identify research studies published between 2010–2020. The search yielded 1085 articles, three of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results There was no significant correlation between age, gender and experience and the tendency to use seclusion and restraint. No studies examined ethnicity, physical stature, seniority or role. Conclusions The results demonstrate a paucity of research on nursing staff characteristics and their influence on seclusion and restraint in this setting. Such research may inform violence prevention strategies.

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Photo by MARCIN CZERNIAWSKI on Unsplash

Photo by MARCIN CZERNIAWSKI on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Reducing seclusion and restraint is a patient and staff safety priority. Enhancing recovery focused and trauma informed care are an important element of high quality forensic mental health care delivery. This systematic literature review demonstrates the paucity of research on seclusion and restraint in the adult forensic mental health inpatient settings.

Perspectives