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Rickli C, Stoll J, Westermair AL, Trachsel M. Comparing attitudes towards compulsory interventions in severe and persistent mental illness among psychiatrists in India and Switzerland. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:295. [PMID: 38637747 PMCID: PMC11025243 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05710-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatrists face a major ethical challenge when deciding whether to make use of coercive measures in the treatment process of patients suffering from severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). As India and Switzerland show major cultural, political and financial differences, it is hypothesized that attitudes towards coercive measures among Indian and Swiss psychiatrists will vary too. Exploring differences in attitudes between cultures strengthens the critical reflection on one's own stances and in consequence, on our way of action. Especially when it comes to situations involving power imbalances between patients and health practitioners, self-reflection is essential to prevent ethically inappropriate behavior. METHODS An online survey on aspects of care for patients with SPMI was sent to 3'056 members of the Indian Psychiatric Society between April and June 2020 and to 1'311 members of the Swiss Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy between February and March 2016. The respondents' answers were compared. This article deals with the questionnaire's items on autonomous decision making and the implementation of coercive measures in clinical practice. More precisely, participating psychiatrists were asked to rate the importance of patient's autonomy in general and their willingness to apply coercive measures regarding two specific case vignettes depicting a patient with schizophrenia and one with depression. The statistical analysis, namely descriptive data analysis and calculation of arithmetic means, Shapiro Wilks tests and Mann-Whitney U tests, was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. RESULTS Answers were received from 206 psychiatrists in India and 457 psychiatrists in Switzerland. Indian participants tended to value autonomous decision making as slightly less important than Swiss participants (62.2% vs. 91%, p =.01). Regarding a case of severe and persistent depression, psychiatrists in the Indian group were on average more in favor of acting against the wishes of the patient (55% vs. 34.1%, p <.0001) as well as of accepting a temporary decrease in quality of life due to coercion (40% vs. 23%, p =.008). Answers concerning a case of schizophrenia revealed that Indian participants were more in favor of acting against the patient's wishes than Swiss participants (39% vs. 37%, p =.007), whereas the comparison whether to accept a temporary decrease in quality of life regarding this case showed no significant difference (p =.328). CONCLUSIONS The significant difference in attitudes towards coercive measures among Indian compared to Swiss psychiatrists found in this study might arise from a predominantly more collectivist society in India compared to Switzerland. Moreover, differences in financial resources, the organization of the health care system, and the historical background might have an influence. Continuous and critical reflection on one's own views and behavior is essential, especially if ethical principles and individual rights could be violated through a power imbalance, as in the case of coercive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Rickli
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia Stoll
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Lisa Westermair
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital Basel (USB) and University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Trachsel
- Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital Basel (USB) and University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Laureano CD, Laranjeira C, Querido A, Dixe MA, Rego F. Ethical Issues in Clinical Decision-Making about Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:445. [PMID: 38391820 PMCID: PMC10888148 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In mental health and psychiatric care, the use of involuntary psychiatric treatment for people with mental disorders is still a central and contentious issue. The main objective of this scoping review was to map and systematize the literature on ethical issues in clinical decision-making about involuntary psychiatric treatment. Five databases (Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Medline, and Scopus) were searched for articles on this topic. Out of a total of 342 articles found, 35 studies from 14 countries were included based on the selection criteria. The articles were analyzed using the inductive content analysis approach. The following main categories were identified: (1) ethical foundations that guide clinical decision-making; (2) criteria for involuntary psychiatric treatment; (3) gaps, barriers, and risks associated with involuntary psychiatric treatment; (4) strategies used to reduce, replace, and improve the negative impact of involuntary treatment; and (5) evidence-based recommendations. Most of the selected articles discuss the logic underlying involuntary treatment of the mentally ill, exploring ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, or justice, as well as how these should be properly balanced. During the process of involuntary psychiatric admission, there was a notable absence of effective communication and a significant power imbalance that disenfranchised those seeking services. This disparity was further intensified by professionals who often use coercive measures without a clear decision-making rationale and by family members who strongly depend on hospital admission. Due to the pluralistic and polarized nature of opinions regarding legal capacity and the complexity and nuance of involuntary admission, further studies should be context-specific and based on co-production and participatory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio Domingos Laureano
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Service, Local Health Unit of the Leiria Region-Hospital of Santo André, Rua das Olhalvas, 2410-197 Leiria, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 13 Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Carlos Laranjeira
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 13 Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2-Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro-Apart. 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-801 Évora, Portugal
| | - Ana Querido
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 13 Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2-Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro-Apart. 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), NursID, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Anjos Dixe
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 13 Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2-Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro-Apart. 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Francisca Rego
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Migliorini C, Harvey C, Hou C, Wang S, Wang F, Huang ZH. Subjective quality of life and schizophrenia: results from a large cohort study based in Chinese primary care. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:86. [PMID: 38297269 PMCID: PMC10832280 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05558-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Much confusion exists between health-related QoL (HRQoL) scales and subjective QoL (SQoL) scales. One method to avoid confusion is use of a single question that asks What is your quality of life? or similar. This study explored the relationship between biopsychosocial factors and high SQoL, SQoL stability, and factors associated with improving SQoL. METHOD We conducted a large cohort study of community-dwelling Chinese adults with schizophrenia, with two data points (2015-2016 (N = 742), 2017-2018 (N = 491)). Demographic and clinically related items and a comprehensive suite of published measures were collected. Direct logistic regressions were used to explore links between biopsychosocial factors and high SQoL and Improvement in SQoL across time. RESULTS Sample at Baseline: Male = 62.3%; Med age = 38.5 years; Med Age at illness onset = 24 years; SQoL Mode = neither poor nor good. Three independent variables predicted high SQoL at T1. Contemporary age and the presence of clinically relevant symptoms had a negative relationship with high SQoL; insight had a positive relationship with high SQoL. SQoL changed significantly across time with a modest effect size. Age at illness onset was the single independent variable linked to improving SQoL favoring being older at the time of illness onset. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS SQoL can be high and changeable. While symptomology and illness insight may affect SQoL self-appraisals at single points in time, only age of illness onset was connected with improving SQoL. Thus, public health measures to delay illness onset are important. In addition, care about the distinction between HRQoL and SQoL in study design and choice of measures is necessary and will depend on the purpose and context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Migliorini
- Psychosocial Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
- Division of Mental Health, North West Area Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Carol Harvey
- Psychosocial Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Division of Mental Health, North West Area Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cailan Hou
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Huifu West Road Yuexiu District, Guangdong, China
| | - Shibin Wang
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Huifu West Road Yuexiu District, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Huifu West Road Yuexiu District, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuo-Hui Huang
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Huifu West Road Yuexiu District, Guangdong, China
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Efkemann SA, Scholten M, Bottlender R, Juckel G, Gather J. Influence of mental health professionals' attitudes and personality traits on decision-making around coercion: Results from an experimental quantitative survey using case vignettes. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2022; 146:151-164. [PMID: 35322402 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research on coercion in mental healthcare has recently shifted to the investigation of subjective aspects, both on the side of the people with mental disorders affected and the staff members involved. In this context, the role of personality traits and attitudes of staff members in decision-making around coercion is increasingly being assessed. This study aimed to examine the role of staff attitudes towards coercion and staff members' personality traits in decision-making around coercion in an experimental setting. METHODS We assessed the attitudes towards coercion and (general) personality traits of mental health professionals in psychiatric hospitals with a quantitative survey. Furthermore, we developed case vignettes representing cases in a 'grey zone' and included them in the survey to assess staff members' decisions about coercion in specific situations. RESULTS A general approving attitude towards coercion significantly influenced decisions around coercion in individual cases-resulting in a more likely approval of applying coercion in the cases described in the vignettes. Personality traits did not seem to be relevant in this regard. CONCLUSION Strategies to reduce coercion in mental healthcare institutions should focus more on the role of staff attitudes and encourage staff members to reflect on them critically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Agnes Efkemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthé Scholten
- Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Georg Juckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jakov Gather
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.,Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
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Stoll J, Mathew A, Venkateswaran C, Prabhakaran A, Westermair AL, Trachsel M. Palliative Psychiatry for Patients With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness: A Survey on the Attitudes of Psychiatrists in India Compared to Psychiatrists in Switzerland. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:858699. [PMID: 35693967 PMCID: PMC9178077 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.858699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Palliative psychiatry is a new approach for the care of patients with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) which systematically considers biological, psychological, social, and existential factors of care. To assess the attitudes of psychiatrists in India toward palliative psychiatry for patients with SPMI and to compare these to the attitudes of psychiatrists in Switzerland. METHODS In an online survey, data from 206 psychiatrists in India were collected and compared with data from a previous survey among 457 psychiatrists in Switzerland. RESULTS Psychiatrists in India generally considered it very important to prevent suicide in SPMI patients (97.6%). At the same time, they considered it very important to reduce suffering (98.1%) and to ensure functionality in everyday life (95.6%). They agreed that palliative psychiatry is important for providing optimal care to SPMI patients without life-limiting illness (79.6%) and considered palliative psychiatry as indicated for patients with SPMI (78.2%). By contrast, curing the illness was considered very important by only 39.8 % of respondents. Relative to psychiatrists in Switzerland, psychiatrists in India were significantly more concerned about preventing suicide and less willing to accept a reduction in life expectancy, even at the expense of quality of life in patients with severe and persistent schizophrenia and recurrent major depressive disorder. At the same time, they were significantly more likely to advocate palliative psychiatry. CONCLUSION Most of the participating psychiatrists in India agreed that palliative psychiatry can be indicated for patients with SPMI. The comparison with psychiatrists in Switzerland highlights the need to take account of cultural differences in future studies of this kind. In summary, this study shows the potential of palliative psychiatry as a genuine biopsychosocio-existential approach which systematically integrates biological, psychological, social, and existential factors of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stoll
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anju Mathew
- Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Chitra Venkateswaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Palliative Medicine, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Tiruvalla, India.,Mehac Foundation, Kochi, India
| | - Anil Prabhakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Anna Lisa Westermair
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital of Basel (USB) and University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Trachsel
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital of Basel (USB) and University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), Basel, Switzerland
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Chieze M, Clavien C, Kaiser S, Hurst S. Coercive Measures in Psychiatry: A Review of Ethical Arguments. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:790886. [PMID: 34970171 PMCID: PMC8712490 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.790886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Coercion is frequent in clinical practice, particularly in psychiatry. Since it overrides some fundamental rights of patients (notably their liberty of movement and decision-making), adequate use of coercion requires legal and ethical justifications. In this article, we map out the ethical elements used in the literature to justify or reject the use of coercive measures limiting freedom of movement (seclusion, restraint, involuntary hospitalization) and highlight some important issues. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature by searching the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Google Scholar and Cairn.info databases with the keywords "coercive/compulsory measures/care/treatment, coercion, seclusion, restraint, mental health, psychiatry, involuntary/compulsory hospitalization/admission, ethics, legitimacy." We collected all ethically relevant elements used in the author's justifications for or against coercive measures limiting freedom of movement (e.g., values, rights, practical considerations, relevant feelings, expected attitudes, risks of side effects), and coded, and ordered them into categories. Results: Some reasons provided in the literature are presented as justifying an absolute prohibition on coercion; they rely on the view that some fundamental rights, such as autonomy, are non-negotiable. Most ethically relevant elements, however, can be used in a balanced weighting of reasons to favor or reject coercive measures in certain circumstances. Professionals mostly agree that coercion is only legitimate in exceptional circumstances, when the infringement of some values (e.g., freedom of movement, short-term autonomy) is the only means to fulfill other, more important values and goals (e.g., patient's safety, the long-term rebuilding of patient's identity and autonomy). The results of evaluations vary according to which moral elements are prioritized over others. Moreover, we found numerous considerations (e.g., conditions, procedural values) for how to ensure that clinicians apply fair decision-making procedures related to coercion. Based on this analysis, we highlight vital topics that need further development. Conclusion: Before using coercive measures limiting freedom of movement, clinicians should consider and weigh all ethically pertinent elements in the situation and actively search for alternatives that are more respectful of patient's well-being and rights. Coercive measures decided upon after a transparent, carefully balanced evaluation process are more likely to be adequate, understood, and accepted by patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Chieze
- Adult Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christine Clavien
- iEH2-Institute of Ethics History Humanities, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Kaiser
- Adult Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samia Hurst
- iEH2-Institute of Ethics History Humanities, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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