Citation

El-Badri S, Mellsop G. Australas. Psychiatry 2008; 16(4): 248-252.

Affiliation

Adult Mental Health Service, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand. elbadris@waikatodhb.govt.nz

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/10398560802027302

PMID

18608169

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This paper investigates the perceptions and experience of patients and staff on the use of seclusion in psychiatric services. METHOD: A purpose designed questionnaire was distributed to staff and patients in a general adult mental health service. RESULTS: Staff and patients both attributed more negative than positive feelings to patients' experience of seclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring and evaluation of the use of seclusion may be insufficient to prevent or ameliorate its emotional impact. More comfortable alternatives to seclusion need to be utilized whenever possible.

Language: en