The Nursing Decision Making Process in Seclusion Episodes in a Psychiatric Facility

Abstract

This study explores and describes nursing interventions performed during episodes of seclusion with or without restraint in a psychiatric facility and examines the relationship between the interventions' local protocols and best-practice guidelines. Twenty-four nurses working in a psychiatric facility were interviewed about the nursing interventions they performed before, during, and after an episode of seclusion with or without using restraint. Analysis of the data reveals that the interventions meet quality standards. However, nursing practice would be further refined by conducting post-event reviews, especially by discussing how a client's aggressive behaviour is to be understood.