Patient perspective on observation methods used in seclusion room in an Irish forensic mental health setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Shetty Shobha Rani , Burke Shauna , Timmons David , Kennedy Harry G. , Tuohy Mary , Terkildsen Morten Deleuran 
Published: November 2023

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Nurses‘ observation of patients in seclusion is essential to ensure patient safety.

Patient observation in seclusion assists nurses in adhering to the requirements of mental health legislation and hospital policy.

Direct observation and video monitoring are widely used in observing patients in seclusion.

Coercive practices may cause distress to patient‐staff relations.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

We add detailed information on specific observation methods in seclusion and compare them from the perspective of patients.

Nurses communicating with patients ensures relational contact and that quality care is provided to patients even in the most distressed phase of their illness.

Providing prior information to patients on observation methods in seclusion and the need for engaging patients in meaningful activities, while in seclusion are emphasized.

Observation via camera and nurses‘ presence near the seclusion room made patients feel safe and gave a sense of being cared for in seclusion.

Pixellating the video camera would give a sense of privacy and dignity.

What are the implications for practice?

The overarching goal is to prevent seclusion. However, when seclusion is used as a last resort to manage risk to others, it should be done in ways that recognize the human rights of the patient, in ways that are least harmful, and in ways that recognize and cater to patients‘ unique needs.

A consistent approach to relational contact and communication is essential. A care plan must include patient‘s preferred approach for interacting while in seclusion to support individualized care provision.

Viewing panels (small window on the seclusion door) are important in establishing two‐way communication with the patient. Educating nurses to utilize them correctly helps stimulate relational contact and communication during seclusion to benefit patients.

Engaging patients in meaningful activities when in seclusion is essential to keep them connected to the outside world. Depending on the patient‘s presentation in the seclusion room and their preferences for interactions, reading newspapers, poems, stories, or a book chapter aloud to patients, via the viewing panel could help ensure such connectedness.

More focus should be placed on providing communication training to nurses to strengthen their communication skills in caring for individuals in challenging care situations.

Patient education is paramount. Providing prior information to patients using a co‐produced information leaflet might reduce their anxiety and make them feel safe in the room.

When using cameras in the seclusion room, these should be pixelated to maintain patients‘ privacy.

Introduction

A lack of research investigating the specific role that various observational techniques may have in shaping the therapeutic relations in mental health care during seclusion warranted this study.

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore patients’ experience of different methods of observation used while the patient was in seclusion.

Method

A retrospective phenomenological approach, using semi‐structured interviews, ten patients’ experiences of being observed in the seclusion room was investigated. Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method was followed to analyse the data.

Results

Communicating and engaging patients in meaningful activities can be achieved via the viewing panel. The camera was considered essential in monitoring behaviour and promoting a sense of safety. Pixelating the camera may transform patient view on privacy in seclusion.

Discussion

The mental health services must strive to prevent seclusion and every effort should be made to recognise the human rights of the patient. The study reveals numerous advantages when nurses actively engage in patient communication during the process of observation.

Implications for Practice

Different observation methods yield different benefits; therefore, staff education in using these methods is paramount. Empowering the patient with prior information on seclusion, engaging them in meaningful activities and proper documentation on patient engagement, supports the provision of individualised care in seclusion.