Effects of a Standardized Post-coercion Review Session.

The present study aims at exploring the impact of a standardized post-coercion review session of coercive measures that took place in the psychiatric inpatient setting in reducing the use of coercive measures and the subjective perception of coercion. It is well known that coercive measures have a major negative impact on the health, well-being and the course of treatment of patients suffering from mental health issues. Many interventions have been implemented in the last years to reduce the use of coercion and limit its consequences.

The investigators developed a standardized post-coercion review intervention. This session takes place as soon as possible after the concerned coercive measure and is moderated by a member of staff who has not been involved in the use of coercion. Other persons involved are the patient, a staff member who took the decision leading to the use of the coercive measure, and a one of the patient's relatives.

Hypothesis is that the use of this standardized intervention can reduce the use of subsequent coercive measures and level of perceived coercion, prevent the development of post-traumatic symptoms, help preserving a trustful therapeutic relationship and positively change the attitude of staff regarding the use of coercion. This intervention has been proven to be well accepted by patients and staff members in a previous pilot study.

The present study is designed as a randomised-controlled study investigating the effect of post-coercion review.

The present study aims at exploring the impact of a standardized post-coercion review session of coercive measures that took place in the psychiatric inpatient setting in reducing the use of coercive measures and the subjective perception of coercion. It is well known that coercive measures have a major negative impact on the health, well-being and the course of treatment of patients suffering from mental health issues. Many interventions have been implemented in the last years to reduce the use of coercion and limit its consequences.

The investigators developed a standardized post-coercion review intervention. This session takes place as soon as possible after the concerned coercive measure and is moderated by a member of staff who has not been involved in the use of coercion. Other persons involved are the patient, a staff member who took the decision leading to the use of the coercive measure, and a one of the patient's relatives. The guidelines define important themes and questions that should be addressed during the review session. These guidelines have been developed with the help of psychiatrists, nurses and a peer worker.

Hypothesis is that the use of this standardized intervention can reduce the use of subsequent coercive measures and level of perceived coercion, prevent the development of post-traumatic symptoms, help preserving a trustful therapeutic relationship and positively change the attitude of staff regarding the use of coercion. This intervention has been proven to be well accepted by patients and staff members in a previous pilot study. The methods combine quantitative and qualitative evaluations.

The present study is designed as a randomised-controlled study investigating the effect of post-coercion review.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Inpatient
* Subject to coercive measure (seclusion, restraint, forced medication)
* Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder (ICD-10: F1x.5, F2x, F31.x).
* Written and informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to provide informed consent
* Hospital stay \< 24h