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Research Articles

Coercive treatments in forensic psychiatry: a study of patients' experiences and preferences

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Pages 564-585 | Received 13 Feb 2011, Accepted 27 Jun 2011, Published online: 07 Sep 2011
 

Abstract

The aim of this study was to report on forensic rehabilitation inpatients' experiences and preferences for physical restraint, seclusion and emergency intra-muscular medication using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. Of 252 inpatients, 79 met the study inclusion criteria and 57 (72%) agreed to take part. Just over half thought they should have been subjected to coercive treatment. Although coercive treatments were generally perceived as negative experiences, 16% of participants reported the last episode of seclusion or restraint had been a positive experience for them. The figure for emergency intra-muscular medication was 36%. Eleven percent of participants said they had made an advance statement but none could be found in their records. Most participants preferred intra-muscular medication to seclusion. Participants made suggestions as to how to improve their experiences of coercive treatments. Patients' views on coercive treatments should be incorporated into their care plans and they should be encouraged to make advance statements.

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