Patient characteristics, seclusion and clinical interventions in an forensic inpatient settings.

What is it about?

The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the use of seclusion within an adult forensic mental health inpatient setting in Australia. The study also sought to compare and examine the characteristics of patients who experienced seclusion and those who did not. This quantitative study was achieved by completing a retrospective case file audit. Data were collected on all patients admitted to the adult forensic mental health inpatient unit during a 6-month period (January to June 2016). Data were obtained from medical records including age, sex, ethnicity, primary and secondary diagnosis, referral source and previous admissions to acute and forensic mental health inpatient settings.

Featured Image

Photo by Ante Samarzija on Unsplash

Photo by Ante Samarzija on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Findings regarding PRN use suggest that clinicians are not using medication as a first-line intervention when managing a deteriorating patient. Coupled with low rates of seclusion events, this suggests that other less restrictive interventions were being implemented and warrants further investigation. Implications for practice and mental health nurses Understanding which patient characteristic may increase the likelihood of a patient being exposed to seclusion and restraint use is important in the ongoing efforts to reduce seclusion and restraint practices. Opportunities exist to enhance patient care through the use of validated assessment tools. Reviewing and reflecting on clinical interventions is important for clinicians in reducing seclusion and restraint use. Effective and safe alternative interventions to seclusion and restraint require further research.

Perspectives