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Freeman AM, Asmal L, Swartz L. Psychiatrists' experiences of involuntary care in South Africa: dilemmas for practice in challenging contexts. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2024:medhum-2024-012929. [PMID: 39160064 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2024-012929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Providing for people with psychosocial conditions in crisis is a complex and controversial endeavour that has gained significant attention over the past decade. This increased focus is driven by global calls to reduce coercion, including by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, who interpret Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in General Comment 1 to advocate for the replacement of substituted decision-making with supported decision-making. Psychiatrists occupy a central role in determining how to care for and respond to individuals with psychosocial conditions in crisis in the midst of these debates. They must protect the rights of people with psychosocial conditions in crisis and provide appropriate support within challenging and dynamic contexts. This responsibility includes promoting the autonomy of people with psychosocial condition while ensuring their long-term health, safety and well-being.In this study, we conducted a phenomenological analysis with a sample of nine psychiatrists in South Africa to explore their experiences with involuntary care and the complex dilemmas they face in delivering healthcare to individuals with mental health conditions. Our findings indicate that psychiatrists encounter significant challenges in preserving patient autonomy, particularly within the resource-limited context of South Africa. Pervasive stigma and insufficient support infrastructure complicate efforts to prioritise autonomy. At the same time, professionals must address the critical need to ensure the long-term safety and well-being of their patients. The absence of involuntary care can exacerbate a person's vulnerability to community stigma and inadequate community support, posing severe risks to their welfare. Balancing between protecting a person's autonomy and addressing the limitations of support structures creates a complex predicament for mental health professionals, often resulting in feelings of isolation and moral distress among psychiatrists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Morung Freeman
- Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Laila Asmal
- Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Leslie Swartz
- Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
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2
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Steinert T. Using coercion in mental disorders or risking the patient's death? An analysis of the protocols of a clinical ethics committee and a derived decision algorithm. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2024; 50:552-556. [PMID: 38050143 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2023-109578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
While principle-based ethics is well known and widely accepted in psychiatry, much less is known about how decisions are made in clinical practice, which case scenarios exist, and which challenges exist for decision-making. Protocols of the central ethics committee responsible for four psychiatric hospitals over 7 years (N=17) were analysed. While four cases concerned suicide risk in the case of intended hospital discharge, the vast majority (N=13) concerned questions of whether the responsible physician should or should not initiate the use of coercion in patients lacking mental capacity. The committee's recommendations were non-uniform. Forced feeding and electroconvulsive therapy were endorsed in each one case. In two cases of intermittent loss of capacity due to heavy drinking or intermittent severe suicidal ideation, a self-binding contract was recommended and the use of coercion was considered as justified for a very limited period. In all other cases, most of which involved involuntary treatment, the use of coercion was not endorsed. Without exception, the recommendations were accepted with relief by the physicians and their treatment teams, who feared liability in the event of harm to the patient. Eventually, a model of a decision algorithm was derived from the ethical arguments in the protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Steinert
- Centers for Psychiatry Suedwuerttemberg, Ravensburg, Germany
- Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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3
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Storman D, Jemioło P, Sawiec Z, Swierz MJ, Antonowicz E, Bala MM, Prokop-Dorner A. Needs Expressed in Peer-to-Peer Web-Based Interactions Among People With Depression and Anxiety Disorders Hospitalized in a Mental Health Facility: Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e51506. [PMID: 38996331 DOI: 10.2196/51506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalization in psychiatric wards is a necessary step for many individuals experiencing severe mental health issues. However, being hospitalized can also be a stressful and unsettling experience. It is crucial to understand and address the various needs of hospitalized individuals with psychiatric disorders to promote their overall well-being and support their recovery. OBJECTIVE Our objectives were to identify and describe individual needs related to mental hospitals through peer-to-peer interactions on Polish web-based forums among individuals with depression and anxiety disorders and to assess whether these needs were addressed by peers. METHODS We conducted a search of web-based forums focused on depression and anxiety and selected samples of 160 and 176 posts, respectively, until we reached saturation. A mixed methods analysis that included an in-depth content analysis, the Pearson χ2 test, and φ coefficient was used to evaluate the posts. RESULTS The most frequently identified needs were the same for depression and anxiety forums and involved informational (105/160, 65.6% and 169/393, 43%, respectively), social life (17/160, 10.6% and 90/393, 22.9%, respectively), and emotional (9/160, 5.6% and 66/393, 16.8%, respectively) needs. The results show that there is no difference in the expression of needs between the analyzed forums. The needs were directly (42/47, 89% vs 98/110, 89.1% of times for depression and anxiety, respectively) and not fully (27/47, 57% vs 86/110, 78.2% of times for depression and anxiety, respectively) addressed by forum users. In quantitative analysis, we found that depression-related forums had more posts about the need for informational support and rectification, the expression of anger, and seeking professional support. By contrast, anxiety-related forums had more posts about the need for emotional support; social life; and information concerning medications, hope, and motivation. The most common co-occurrence of expressed needs was between sharing own experience and the need for professional support, with a strong positive association. The qualitative analysis showed that users join web-based communities to discuss their fears and questions about psychiatric hospitals. The posts revealed 4 mental and emotional representations of psychiatric hospitals: the hospital as an unknown place, the ambivalence of presumptions and needs, the negative representation of psychiatric hospitals, and the people associated with psychiatric hospitals. The tone of the posts was mostly negative, with discussions revolving around negative stereotypes; traumatic experiences; and beliefs that increased anxiety, shock, and fright and deterred users from hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that web-based forums can provide a platform for individuals with depression and anxiety disorders to express a wide range of needs. Most needs were addressed by peers but not sufficiently. Mental health professionals can benefit from these findings by gaining insights into the unique needs and concerns of their patients, thus allowing for more effective treatment and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Storman
- Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Dietetics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Zuzanna Sawiec
- Students' Scientific Research Group of Systematic Reviews, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz Jan Swierz
- Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Dietetics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Antonowicz
- Students' Scientific Research Group of Systematic Reviews, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Malgorzata M Bala
- Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Dietetics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Prokop-Dorner
- Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medical Sociology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Bromley E, Rahmanian Koushkaki S, Davis LG, Moon S, Resnick J, McCoy M, Bennett K, Rab S, Draxler CD, Jackson LT, Lovelace A, Sherin J. Addressing Mental Health Disability in Unsheltered Homelessness: Outpatient Conservatorship in Los Angeles. Psychiatr Serv 2024; 75:689-698. [PMID: 38268464 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors sought to describe a pilot program for gravely disabled individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Los Angeles County that illustrates a promising public health framework to address mental health-related disability in homeless populations. METHODS Homeless outreach teams implementing the outpatient conservatorship (OPC) pilot program adopted a population health approach, multisystem care coordination, and prioritization of the least restrictive environments. The program allowed initiation of a Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) conservatorship outside of a hospital, with the goal of serving highly vulnerable individuals in the least restrictive settings. Between August 2020 and July 2021, the OPC pilot program served 43 clients, corresponding to 2% of those served by the outreach teams during that period. Using observational program evaluation data, the authors examined the impact of the program on this sample of participants. RESULTS At 12 months, 81% of OPC clients were no longer experiencing unsheltered homelessness; 65% accessed an LPS conservatorship. Although most OPC clients utilized a psychiatric hospital, 54% left locked settings earlier than would have been possible without the program. One-third of clients referred for LPS conservatorship used unlocked licensed residential facilities in the first year. Negative events, such as remaining in unsheltered homelessness, were more common among clients not referred for LPS conservatorship. CONCLUSIONS Timely receipt of street-based services and coordination of care before, during, and after referral for LPS conservatorship reduced use of restrictive settings. The OPC program's components constitute a promising triadic framework for addressing mental health disability among unsheltered individuals that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Bromley
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Sara Rahmanian Koushkaki
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Lisa G Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Stephanie Moon
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Jaclyn Resnick
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Matthew McCoy
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Karla Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Shayan Rab
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Connie D Draxler
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - La Tina Jackson
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Aubree Lovelace
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
| | - Jonathan Sherin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and University of California Los Angeles Public Mental Health Partnership, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Bromley, Rahmanian Koushkaki, Davis, McCoy, Sherin); Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles (Bromley, McCoy); Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles (Moon); Center for Community Health, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (Resnick); Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles (Bennett, Rab, Draxler, Jackson, Lovelace)
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Bartl G, Stuart R, Ahmed N, Saunders K, Loizou S, Brady G, Gray H, Grundy A, Jeynes T, Nyikavaranda P, Persaud K, Raad A, Foye U, Simpson A, Johnson S, Lloyd-Evans B. A qualitative meta-synthesis of service users' and carers' experiences of assessment and involuntary hospital admissions under mental health legislations: a five-year update. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:476. [PMID: 38937705 PMCID: PMC11209989 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05914-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compulsory admissions occur in psychiatric hospitals around the world. They result in coercive and sometimes traumatic experiences for service users and carers. Legal and service reforms in various countries are intended to reduce rates of detention and improve service user experience. We aimed to inform policy and service delivery by providing an up-to-date synthesis of qualitative evidence on service users' and carers' experiences of assessment and detention under mental health legislation, updating previous reviews in which we searched for literature published up to 2018. METHODS We searched five bibliographic databases for studies published between January 2018 and March 2023. We identified 24 additional studies reporting qualitative investigations of service users' or carers' experiences of assessment or detention under mental health legislation. A team including researchers with relevant personal experience analysed and synthesised data using a thematic synthesis approach. RESULTS Findings suggest that views on compulsory admissions and assessment varied: many reports highlighted its often negative, traumatic impacts on emotional well-being and self-worth, with fewer accounts of it as an opportunity to access help and support, accompanied by feelings of relief. Experiences of racial discrimination, inequality of access, and dissatisfaction with support before and after hospital stay were more prominent than in our previous reviews. CONCLUSIONS Increasing service user and carer involvement in treatment decisions, provision of timely information at key stages of the admission process, training of key personnel, addressing the issue of discrimination, and investing in community alternatives of inpatient care may contribute to and lead to better overall treatment experiences. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION The study protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO database on 30th May 2023 (CRD42023423439).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Bartl
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ruth Stuart
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nafiso Ahmed
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katherine Saunders
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sofia Loizou
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Grainne Brady
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah Gray
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Grundy
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tamar Jeynes
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick Nyikavaranda
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Karen Persaud
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ari Raad
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Una Foye
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alan Simpson
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
- NIHR Policy Research Unit for Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.
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Faissner M, Braun E. The ethics of coercion in mental healthcare: the role of structural racism. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2024; 50:476-481. [PMID: 37845011 PMCID: PMC11228209 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2023-108984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
In mental health ethics, it is generally assumed that coercive measures are sometimes justified when persons with mental illness endanger themselves or others. Coercive measures are regarded as ethically justified only when certain criteria are fulfilled: for example, the intervention must be proportional in relation to the potential harm. In this paper, we demonstrate shortcomings of this established ethical framework in cases where people with mental illness experience structural racism. By drawing on a case example from mental healthcare, we first demonstrate that biases in assessing whether the coercive intervention is proportional are likely, for example, due to an overestimation of dangerousness. We then show that even if proportionality is assessed correctly, and the specific coercive intervention would thus be regarded as ethically justified according to the standard framework, coercion may still be ethically problematic. This is because the standard framework does not consider how situations in which coercive measures are applied arise. If structural racism causally contributes to such situations, the use of coercion can compound the prior injustice of racist discrimination. We conclude that the ethical analysis of coercion in mental healthcare should consider the possibility of discriminatory biases and practices and systematically take the influence of structural discrimination into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Faissner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Esther Braun
- Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Quinn M, Jutkowitz E, Primack J, Lenger K, Rudolph J, Trikalinos T, Rickard T, Mai HJ, Balk E, Konnyu K. Protocols to reduce seclusion in inpatient mental health units. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024; 33:600-615. [PMID: 38193620 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13277] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The use of seclusion to manage conflict behaviours in psychiatric inpatient settings is increasingly viewed as an intervention of last resort. Many protocols have, thus, been developed to reduce the practice. We conducted a systematic review to determine the effectiveness of protocols to reduce seclusion on process outcomes (e.g., seclusion, restraint), patient outcomes (e.g., injuries, aggressive incidents, satisfaction), and staff outcomes (e.g., injuries, satisfaction). We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials, PsycINFO, CINAHL, cairn.info, and ClinicalTrials.gov for protocols to reduce seclusion practices for adult patients on inpatient mental health units (from inception to September 6, 2022). We summarised and categorised reported elements of the protocols designed to reduce seclusion using the Behaviour Change Wheel Intervention Functions and resources needed to implement the protocol in psychiatric units. We assessed risk of bias and determined certainty of evidence using GRADE. Forty-eight reports addressed five approaches to reduce seclusion: hospital/unit restructuring (N = 4), staff education/training (N = 3), sensory modulation rooms (N = 7), risk assessment and management protocols (N = 7), and comprehensive/mixed interventions (N = 22; N = 6 without empirical data). The relationship between the various protocols and outcomes was mixed. Psychiatric units that implement architecturally positive designs, sensory rooms, the Brøset Violence Checklist, and various multi-component comprehensive interventions may reduce seclusion events, though our certainty in these findings is low due to studies' methodological limitations. Future research and practice may benefit from standardised reporting of process and outcome measures and analyses that account for confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenzie Quinn
- Evidence Synthesis Program Center Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eric Jutkowitz
- Evidence Synthesis Program Center Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center of Innovation in Long-Term Services and Supports, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jennifer Primack
- Center of Innovation in Long-Term Services and Supports, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Katherine Lenger
- Evidence Synthesis Program Center Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - James Rudolph
- Evidence Synthesis Program Center Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center of Innovation in Long-Term Services and Supports, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Thomas Trikalinos
- Evidence Synthesis Program Center Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Taylor Rickard
- Evidence Synthesis Program Center Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Htun Ja Mai
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ethan Balk
- Evidence Synthesis Program Center Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kristin Konnyu
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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8
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Birkeland S, Steinert T, Whittington R, Gildberg FA. Abolition of coercion in mental health services - A European survey of feasibility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2024; 94:101992. [PMID: 38763063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2024.101992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2019, the Council of Europe agreed to urge member states to take steps toward total abolition of psychiatric coercive measures. AIMS To test if this aspiration is perceived as realistic and what the alternative would be in the event of a total abolition, we surveyed members of the European FOSTREN network of mental health practitioners and researchers, which is specifically dedicated to exchanging knowledge on reducing psychiatric coercion to its minimum. METHODS Web-based survey. Categorical responses were analyzed using frequencies, and free text responses were analyzed through thematic analysis. RESULTS In total, out of 167 invitations to FOSTREN network members, 76 responded to the survey (Response Rate 45.5%). A minority (31%) of participating experts dedicated to the reduction of psychiatric coercive measures believed a total abolition to be an achievable goal. A commonly held belief was that total abolition is not achievable because mental health disorders are difficult to treat and may cause violence, necessitating coercion, and there is a need to protect the involved persons from harm. Those responding that complete abolition is achievable argued that the consequences of coercion outweigh any gains and indicated that use of advance directives are sufficient as alternatives to coercion. CONCLUSION Of a European group of experts specifically dedicated to the reduction of psychiatric coercion who participated in this questionnaire study, a minority believed a total abolition be an achievable goal. The study adds to the empirical evidence of the feasibility of the aspiration to totally abolish involuntary measures in the mental health services from the perspective of experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Birkeland
- Forensic Mental Health Research Unit Middelfart, Department of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Department of Psychiatry, Middelfart, Mental Health Services Region of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Open Patient data Explorative Network, Denmark.
| | - Tilman Steinert
- Universität Ulm, Leiter der Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Germany.
| | - Richard Whittington
- Centre for Research and Education in Security, Prison and Forensic Psychiatry, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital and Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Frederik Alkier Gildberg
- Forensic Mental Health Research Unit Middelfart, Department of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Department of Psychiatry, Middelfart, Mental Health Services Region of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
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Billé V, Lessard-Deschênes C, Sergerie-Richard S, Désilets M, Tansey J, Goulet MH. Informal coercion in inpatient mental healthcare: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079549. [PMID: 38365297 PMCID: PMC10875533 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Comprehending informal coercion, which encompasses a wide range of phenomena characterised by subtle and non-legalised pressures, can be complex. Its use is underestimated within the continuum of coercion in mental health, although its application may have a negative impact on the persons involved. A better understanding of informal coercion is crucial for improving mental healthcare and informing future research. This scoping review aims to explore the nature, extent and consequences of informal coercion in mental health hospitalisation to clarify this phenomenon, establish its boundaries more clearly and identify knowledge gaps. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Following the methodological framework from the Joanna Briggs Institute, this scoping review will encompass 10 key steps. Literature searches will be conducted in electronic databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses. Then, a search in grey literature sources (Open Grey, Grey Guide), psychiatric and mental health journals, government agencies and among the references of selected studies will be conducted. The research will include all literature focusing on informal coercion with inpatients aged 18 and above. Data will be extracted and analysed descriptively, mapping the available knowledge and identifying thematic patterns. The quality of included studies will be assessed using appropriate appraisal tools. An exploratory search was conducted in November 2023 and will be updated in December 2023 when the selection of relevant evidence will begin. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required as this study involves the analysis of existing published literature. The findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and presentations at relevant conferences. They will be shared with people living with mental disorders and professionals working in mental healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Billé
- Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en sante mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Clara Lessard-Deschênes
- Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en sante mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sophie Sergerie-Richard
- Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en sante mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie Désilets
- Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Julie Tansey
- Association Vox Québec, Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Goulet
- Faculté des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire en sante mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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10
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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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Cleary M, West S, Hungerford C. Resilience: One Part of a Larger Toolkit for Managing Stress. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2024; 45:114-117. [PMID: 37672763 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2239913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Cleary
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sancia West
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Hungerford
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Schmeling J, Martins-Correia J, Pinto da Costa M. Compulsory treatment in Portuguese-speaking countries: An analysis and comparison of the legal framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2024; 92:101950. [PMID: 38181487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2023.101950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compulsory treatment involves the hospital admission of individuals with mental disorders in appropriate facilities through judicial decisions. However, limited information is available regarding the similarities and differences in compulsory treatment legislation in Portuguese-speaking countries. AIMS To analyse the commonalities and differences in compulsory treatment legislation in Portuguese-speaking countries, where Portuguese is the primary official language, including Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe. METHODS A comparative analysis of the specific legislation on compulsory treatment in Portuguese-speaking countries was conducted. National development plans were analysed in countries lacking legislation. A purposive sampling of mental health professionals was contacted to gather information on the countries under study. RESULTS Among the eight Portuguese-speaking countries examined, specific legislation regarding compulsory treatment was found only in Brazil, Cape Verde, and Portugal. These countries, with the lowest poverty rates, exhibited a notable degree of homogeneity in the criteria supporting compulsory treatment, ensuring the protection of individual rights. In contrast, in Angola, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, compulsory treatment primarily relies on mental health development plans, resulting in significant variations in the presented criteria. CONCLUSIONS The significant disparities in compulsory treatment policies among Portuguese-speaking countries, with only Brazil, Cape Verde, and Portugal having specific legislation, underscore the need for a collective effort to establish more consistent procedures and safeguard individual rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Schmeling
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Martins-Correia
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Pinto da Costa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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13
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Wild B, Paul C, Friederich HC. Reduction of coercion in psychiatric hospitals: how can this be achieved? THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 35:100795. [PMID: 38058298 PMCID: PMC10696227 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beate Wild
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cinara Paul
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Aragonés-Calleja M, Sánchez-Martínez V. Experience of coercion among nursing professionals in a medium-stay mental health unit: A qualitative study in Spain. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2023; 30:983-993. [PMID: 36971519 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12921] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Coercive measures represent an ethical conflict because they limit the person's freedom, compromising their personal autonomy, self-determination and fundamental rights. The reduction of the use of coercive measures implies not only regulations and mental health systems, but also cultural aspects, such as societal beliefs, attitudes, and values. There is evidence about the professionals' views on coercion in acute mental health care units and community settings, but they remain unexplored in inpatient rehabilitation units. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The knowledge about coercion varied from not knowing at all the meaning of the word, to a proper description of the phenomenon. Coercive measures are considered a necessary evil or normalized in mental health care and considered implicit to daily practice. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The perceptions and attitudes towards coercion might be influenced by the knowledge about the phenomenon. Training of mental health nursing staff in non-coercive practice could help professionals to detect, be conscious towards, and question coercive measures, thus orienting them to the effective implementation of interventions or programmes with evidenced effectiveness to reduce them. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Creating a therapeutic and safe milieu with the minimum coercive measures requires knowing professionals' perceptions and attitudes towards coercion, but they remain unexplored in medium and long-stay inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation units. AIM To explore the knowledge, perception and experience of coercion among nursing staff at a rehabilitation medium-stay mental health unit (MSMHU) in Eastern Spain. METHOD Qualitative phenomenological study including 28 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews based on a script. Data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS Two main themes were found: (1) therapeutic relationship and treatment in the MSMHU, which included three subthemes: qualities of the professionals for building the therapeutic relationship; perceptions about the persons admitted to the MSMHU; views of the therapeutic relationship and treatment in the MSMHU; (2) Coercion at the MSMHU, comprising five subthemes: professional knowledge; general aspects; emotional impact of coercion; opinions; alternatives. DISCUSSION Coercive measures are often normalized in mental health care and considered implicit to daily practice. A proportion of participants who did not know what coercion is. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Knowledge about coercion might influence attitudes towards coercion. Mental health nursing staff could benefit from formal training in non-coercive practice, facilitating the operative implementation of effective interventions or programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Sánchez-Martínez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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15
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Hofstad T, Nyttingnes O, Markussen S, Johnsen E, Killackey E, McDaid D, Rinaldi M, Dean K, Brinchmann B, Douglas K, Gröning L, Bjørkly S, Palmstierna T, Strømme MF, Blindheim A, Rugkåsa J, Hofmann BM, Pedersen R, Widding‐Havneraas T, Rypdal K, Mykletun A. Long term outcomes and causal modelling of compulsory inpatient and outpatient mental health care using Norwegian registry data: Protocol for a controversies in psychiatry research project. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2023; 33:e1980. [PMID: 37421245 PMCID: PMC10807697 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Compulsory mental health care includes compulsory hospitalisation and outpatient commitment with medication treatment without consent. Uncertain evidence of the effects of compulsory care contributes to large geographical variations and a controversy on its use. Some argue that compulsion can rarely be justified and should be reduced to an absolute minimum, while others claim compulsion can more frequently be justified. The limited evidence base has contributed to variations in care that raise issues about the quality/appropriateness of care as well as ethical concerns. To address the question whether compulsory mental health care results in superior, worse or equivalent outcomes for patients, this project will utilise registry-based longitudinal data to examine the effect of compulsory inpatient and outpatient care on multiple outcomes, including suicide and overall mortality; emergency care/injuries; crime and victimisation; and participation in the labour force and welfare dependency. METHODS By using the natural variation in health providers' preference for compulsory care as a source of quasi-randomisation we will estimate causal effects of compulsory care on short- and long-term trajectories. CONCLUSIONS This project will provide valuable insights for service providers and policy makers in facilitating high quality clinical care pathways for a high risk population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore Hofstad
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Centre for Medical EthicsUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Olav Nyttingnes
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Health Services Research UnitAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
| | | | - Erik Johnsen
- Division of PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- NORMENTCentre of ExcellenceHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Eoin Killackey
- OrygenMelbourneAustralia
- Centre for Youth Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - David McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation CentreDepartment of Health PolicyLondon School of Economics and Political ScienceLondonUK
| | - Miles Rinaldi
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Centre for Work and Mental HealthNordland Hospital TrustBodøNorway
- South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Kimberlie Dean
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental HealthSchool of Clinical MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health NetworkSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Beate Brinchmann
- Centre for Work and Mental HealthNordland Hospital TrustBodøNorway
| | - Kevin Douglas
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of PsychologySimon Fraser UniversityVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Regional Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Linda Gröning
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Faculty of LawUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Stål Bjørkly
- Regional Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
- Faculty of Health and Social SciencesMolde University CollegeMoldeNorway
| | - Tom Palmstierna
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceCentre for Psychiatric ResearchKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesDepartment of Mental HealthNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Maria Fagerbakke Strømme
- Division of PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- NORMENTCentre of ExcellenceHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Anne Blindheim
- Division of PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Jorun Rugkåsa
- Health Services Research UnitAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
- Centre for Care ResearchUniversity of South‐Eastern NorwayPorsgrunnNorway
- Department of Mental HealthOslo Metropolitan UniversityOsloNorway
| | - Bjørn Morten Hofmann
- Centre for Medical EthicsUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesDepartment of Health SciencesNorwegian University of Science and TechnologyGjøvikNorway
| | | | - Tarjei Widding‐Havneraas
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Knut Rypdal
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Arnstein Mykletun
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Centre for Work and Mental HealthNordland Hospital TrustBodøNorway
- UiT—The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
- Division for Health ServicesNorwegian Institute of Public HealthOsloNorway
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Flemmerer M, Bühling-Schindowski F, Baumgardt J, Bechdolf A. Predictors of the use of restraint in inpatient psychiatric care among patients admitted via the emergency department. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 162:37-43. [PMID: 37086605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coercive measures are associated with negative consequences for both patients and hospital staff. The aim of the study was to identify predictors for the use of restraints in the emergency department and in subsequent inpatient care. METHOD Retrospective routine clinical data of all patients admitted to the psychiatric departments of Vivantes Klinikum Am Urban in Berlin via the emergency department in 2019 was examined case-wise (n = 2584) as well as patient-wise (n = 2118). RESULTS Of all cases admitted via the emergency department, 195 cases (7.5%) experienced restraints and restraints combined with drug sedation during their inpatient treatment. Of the 2584 cases admitted via the emergency department, 195 cases (7.5%) experienced restraints and restraints combined with drug sedation during their inpatient treatment. These 195 cases experienced a total of 358 restraints and were distributed across 159 individuals. Multivariate regression analyses on patient-level show that age (p < .001), judicial placement (p < .001), and police referral in the presence of others (p < .001) had a statistically significant effect on the use of restraint. DISCUSSION The results indicate that certain patient characteristics increase the risk of restraints. A majority of the findings of this study underline previous research findings. However, ICD-10 diagnosis and gender do not prove to be significant variables, contrary to expectations based on previous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Flemmerer
- Medical School Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Vivantes Hospital Am Urban und Vivantes Hospital im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Bühling-Schindowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Vivantes Hospital Am Urban und Vivantes Hospital im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Baumgardt
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Vivantes Hospital Am Urban und Vivantes Hospital im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany; Research Institute of the Local Health Care Funds (WIdO), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Bechdolf
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Vivantes Hospital Am Urban und Vivantes Hospital im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
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Müller M, Brackmann N, Jäger M, Theodoridou A, Vetter S, Seifritz E, Hotzy F. Predicting coercion during the course of psychiatric hospitalizations. Eur Psychiatry 2023; 66:e22. [PMID: 36700423 PMCID: PMC9981454 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coercive measures (such as seclusion, mechanical restraint, and forced medication) during psychiatric inpatient treatment should be avoided whenever possible. Different interventions were already developed to reduce coercion, but for their effective application, it is crucial to know the risk factors of individuals and clinical situations that might be associated with coercion. Since the results of previous studies differ considerably the current study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the course of the exertion of coercion in detail. METHODS In this study, we analyzed clinical, procedural, and sociodemographic data from patients (n = 16,607 cases) who were treated as inpatients in Switzerland's largest psychiatric institution with 320 beds during the years 2017 to 2020. We used regression models to identify predictors for the exertion of coercion, the number of coercive measures during a treatment episode and time until exertion of the first and last coercive measure. RESULTS Coercive measures are mostly used during the first days of treatment. We identified clinical parameters such as manic or psychotic episodes to be the most relevant predictors for the exertion of coercion. Cases with those disorders also received coercion more often and earlier in their treatment course than other diagnostic groups. Other promoting factors for frequency and early application of coercion were involuntary admission and factors of chronicity and clinical severity. CONCLUSIONS Knowing the risk factors may help to target preventive strategies for those at highest risk. In particular, interventions should focus on the critical timeframe at the beginning of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Brackmann
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Jäger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Theodoridou
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Vetter
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Hotzy
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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18
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Manderius C, Clintståhl K, Sjöström K, Örmon K. The psychiatric mental health nurse's ethical considerations regarding the use of coercive measures - a qualitative interview study. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:23. [PMID: 36698105 PMCID: PMC9875520 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In psychiatric inpatient care, situations arise where it may be necessary to use coercive measures and thereby restrict individual autonomy. The ethical principles of healthcare, i.e., respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, are recognized as central aspects in healthcare practice, and nurses must be clear about which ethical theories and principles to prioritize and what values are needed for a thorough ethical consideration. The aim of this study is to shed light on psychiatric mental health nurses' ethical considerations and on the factors influencing them when performing coercive measures. METHODS This qualitative interview study included twelve psychiatric mental health nurses with experience from psychiatric inpatient care. A content analysis was made. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, and categories were formulated. RESULTS The study revealed a duality that created two categories: Ethical considerations that promote the patient's autonomy and health and Obstacles to ethical considerations. Based on this duality, ethical considerations were made when performing coercive measures to alleviate suffering and promote health. The result shows a high level of ethical awareness in clinical work. However, a request emerged for more theoretical knowledge about ethical concepts that could be implemented among the staff. CONCLUSION The psychiatric mental health nurses in this study strive to do what is best for the patient, to respect the patient's autonomy as a guiding principle in all ethical considerations, and to avoid coercive measures. An organizational ethical awareness could increase the understanding of the difficult ethical considerations that nurses face with regard to minimizing the use of coercive measures in the long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotta Manderius
- Psychiatric assessment unit, adult psychiatry, Region Skane, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | | | - Karin Sjöström
- grid.32995.340000 0000 9961 9487Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Karin Örmon
- grid.32995.340000 0000 9961 9487Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden ,Regionhälsan, The Västra Götaland Competence Centre on Intimate Partner Violence, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical restraints are routinely employed to ensure patient safety in Japanese acute care. Little is known about nursing students' perspectives and how they begin to question their value and knowledge in the face of restraint experiences in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE To investigate nursing students' questions about patient restraints and how they understand the ethics of the use of restraints in nursing. RESEARCH DESIGN Qualitative descriptive research using narrative analysis. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT Experiential data were generated and thematically analyzed from semi-structured interviews with 16 nursing students who had completed their bachelor's degree program requirements. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The study was approved by academic and clinical ethics agencies. Participants provided written informed consent. RESULTS Physical restraints were encountered in 16 incidents, 3 with children and 13 with older patients with dementia. Students struggled to comprehend the policies and protocols of restraint use and worried their use was primarily for security rather than therapeutic purposes. Five themes were identified: (1). Questioning the tension between person-centered care, patient autonomy, and restraints, (2). Questioning the nature of restraints in which participants analyzed the policies and protocols around restraint use, (3). Questioning the professional nursing self whereby students reflected on how restraint use challenged their nursing values, and (4). Questioning professional nursing practice, in which students explored how restraints fit within a nursing perspective and positioned themselves as patient advocates. Students encountering physical restraints should ask questions based on values of patient-centeredness, autonomy, and advocacy. There is a need for education that facilitates reflection and questioning so that it informs students' ethical thinking which may enhance nurse advocacy to reduce restraint use. CONCLUSIONS Restraints provide contexts in which students must face tensions between nursing values and clinical reality. Further research on nursing education strategies within non-psychiatric settings is needed to reduce physical restraints.
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Shozi Z, Saloojee S, Mashaphu S. Experiences of coercion amongst involuntary mental health care users in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1113821. [PMID: 36960456 PMCID: PMC10027751 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1113821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Involuntary admission is a common practice globally. Previous international studies reported that patients experienced high levels of coercion, threats and a range of negative emotions. Little is known about the patients' experience in South Africa. The aim of this study was to describe the patient's experiences of involuntary admission at two psychiatric hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study of patients admitted involuntarily was conducted. Demographic information was extracted from clinical records and interviews were conducted with consenting participants at discharge. The MacArthur Perceived Coercion Scale, the MacArthur Negative Pressures Scale, and the MacArthur Procedural Justice Scale, of the MacArthur Admission Experience Survey (short form) were utilized to describe participants' experiences. Results This study comprised 131 participants. The response rate was 95.6%. Most participants (n = 96; 73%) experienced high levels of coercion and threats (n = 110; 84%) on admission. About half (n = 61; 46.6%) reported that they felt unheard. Participants reported feeling sad (n = 68; 52%), angry (n = 54; 41.2%), and confused (n = 56; 42.7%). There was a significant association between good insight and a feeling of relief (p = 0.001), and between poor insight and feelings of anger (p = 0.041). Conclusion The findings of this study confirm that most patients who were admitted involuntarily experienced high levels of coercion, threats, and exclusion from the decision-making process. Patient involvement and control of the decision-making process must be facilitated to improve clinical and overall health outcomes. The need for involuntary admission must justify the means.
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De Cuyper K, Vanlinthout E, Vanhoof J, van Achterberg T, Opgenhaffen T, Nijs S, Peeters T, Put J, Maes B, Van Audenhove C. Best practice recommendations on the application of seclusion and restraint in mental health services: An evidence, human rights and consensus-based approach. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2022; 30:580-593. [PMID: 36565433 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Seclusion and restraint still regularly occur within inpatient mental health services. The Council of Europe requires the development of a policy on for instance age limits, techniques and time limits. However, they only define the outer limits of such a policy by indicating when rights are violated. Within these limits, many choices remain open. Staff and service managers lack clarity on safe and humane procedures. Research literature provides limited and contradictory insights on these matters. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The study resulted in 77 best practice recommendations on the practical application of restraint and seclusion as last resort intervention in inpatient youth and adult mental health services, including forensic facilities. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the development of recommendations on this topic is not only based on scientific evidence, but also on an analysis of European human rights standards and consensus within and between expert-professionals and experts-by-experience. This approach allowed to develop for the first time recommendations on time limits, asking for second opinion, and registration of seclusion and restraint. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The 77 recommendations encourage staff to focus on teamwork, safety measures, humane treatment, age and time limits, asking for second opinion, observation, evaluation and registration when applying seclusion and restraint as last resort intervention. The implementation of the best practice recommendations is feasible provided that they are combined with a broad preventive approach and with collaboration between service managers, staff (educators) and experts-by-experience. Under these conditions, the recommendations will improve safety and humane treatment, and reduce harm to both service users and staff. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Seclusion and restraint still regularly occur within inpatient mental health services. Professionals lack clarity on safe and humane procedures. Nevertheless, a detailed policy on for instance age limits, techniques and time limits is required. AIM We developed recommendations on the humane and safe application of seclusion, physical intervention and mechanical restraint in inpatient youth and adult mental health services, including forensic facilities. METHOD After developing a questionnaire based on a rapid scientific literature review and an analysis of human rights sources stemming from the Council of Europe, 60 expert-professionals and 18 experts-by-experience were consulted in Flanders (Belgium) through a Delphi-study. RESULTS After two rounds, all but one statement reached the consensus-level of 65% in both panels. The study resulted in 77 recommendations on teamwork, communication, materials and techniques, maximum duration, observation, evaluation, registration, second opinion and age limits. DISCUSSION Combining an evidence, human rights and consensus-based approach allowed for the first time to develop recommendations on time limits, asking for second opinion and registration. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE When combined with a preventive approach and collaboration between service managers, staff (educators) and experts-by-experience, the recommendations will improve safety and humane treatment, and reduce harm to service users and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen De Cuyper
- LUCAS - Centre for Care Research & Consultancy, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Els Vanlinthout
- LUCAS - Centre for Care Research & Consultancy, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jasper Vanhoof
- Academic Centre of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Theo van Achterberg
- Academic Centre of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Opgenhaffen
- Institute for Social Law, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Nijs
- Parenting and Special Education, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tine Peeters
- LUCAS - Centre for Care Research & Consultancy, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Put
- Institute for Social Law, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bea Maes
- Parenting and Special Education, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chantal Van Audenhove
- LUCAS - Centre for Care Research & Consultancy, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Hofstad T, Husum TL, Rugkåsa J, Hofmann BM. Geographical variation in compulsory hospitalisation - ethical challenges. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1507. [PMID: 36496384 PMCID: PMC9737766 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compulsory hospitalisation in mental health care restricts patients' liberty and is experienced as harmful by many. Such hospitalisations continue to be used due to their assumed benefit, despite limited scientific evidence. Observed geographical variation in compulsory hospitalisation raises concern that rates are higher and lower than necessary in some areas. METHODS/DISCUSSION We present a specific normative ethical analysis of how geographical variation in compulsory hospitalisation challenges four core principles of health care ethics. We then consider the theoretical possibility of a "right", or appropriate, level of compulsory hospitalisation, as a general norm for assessing the moral divergence, i.e., too little, or too much. Finally, we discuss implications of our analysis and how they can inform the future direction of mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore Hofstad
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tonje Lossius Husum
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,grid.412414.60000 0000 9151 4445Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorun Rugkåsa
- grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XHealth Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway ,grid.463530.70000 0004 7417 509XCentre for Care Research, University of South-Eastern Norway, Porsgrunn, Norway
| | - Bjørn Morten Hofmann
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Department of Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Involuntary hospitalisation denies autonomy and freedom of decision-making and is frequent in psychiatric clinical practice. However, there is still a lack of knowledge of long-term compliance after Involuntary commitment. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of published studies reporting people compliance after involuntary hospitalisation and people compliance after voluntary admission. Two investigators independently searched PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL up to December 17th, 2021 to identify eligible studies. The study is registered with PROSPERO number CRD42022299437. RESULTS Ten independent studies analysing the main indicators of compliance, engagement with services and medication adherence, were included. Three studies show that compliance is worse in people that have been involuntary hospitalised and in the others no association is found. Just two of the ten studies show an association with improved compliance. Outcomes are assessed from the first follow-up appointment after discharge up to 96 months. CONCLUSIONS Although evidences carried out so far are weak, the data do not show a trend of improvements and do not seem to exclude the possibility of worse compliance after compulsory hospitalisation. More appropriate methodologies and reliable assessment are needed in future research to provide scientific evidence on involuntary admission health effects.
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Välimäki M, Lantta T, Lam YTJ, Cheung T, Cheng PYI, Ng T, Ip G, Bressington D. Perceptions of patient aggression in psychiatric hospitals: a qualitative study using focus groups with nurses, patients, and informal caregivers. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:344. [PMID: 35585520 PMCID: PMC9118596 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aggression in psychiatric hospitals has been of interest to researchers. Information on how different stakeholders perceive patient aggression remains equivocal. Even less is known about possible similarities or differences in stakeholders' perceptions of how aggressive behaviour is understood, managed and prevented in psychiatric hospitals. We aimed to explore multiple viewpoints on patient aggression, its possible causes and outcomes, and development ideas for prevention and management. METHODS A qualitative design was adopted. The data were collected using focus group interviews. A thematic approach was used for interpretation. The data were collected on 15 adult wards in two inpatient psychiatric settings in Hong Kong. Participants were nurses working on the psychiatric inpatient wards, patients admitted to the wards, and informal caregivers visiting inpatient wards (N = 94). RESULTS Commonalities between all groups were found on how patient aggression is perceived, and why it occurs. Patients and especially nurses described how patient aggression occurred with no clear reason or forewarning and how patients were physically controlled or restricted after aggressive events. Only nurses and patients expressed experiencing physical burden, while all groups considered psychological burden to be a consequence of aggression. All groups proposed that helpful attitudes among nurses, better communication, structural changes, and better self-management skills would prevent patient aggression. Risk assessment was proposed only by nurses and patients, while safety measures were proposed by nurses and informal caregivers only. The use of restrictive interventions to manage aggressive events was proposed by all groups. CONCLUSIONS Despite the complex diversity of perspectives in different stakeholder groups regarding patient aggression, the findings highlighted that it is possible to achieve some mutual understanding of aggression in psychiatric hospitals and identify areas to be developed. Staffs' attitudes and skills for engagement and communication with patients and informal caregivers should be improved. There is also still room to develop the therapeutic environment and culture toward meaningful activities during the treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritta Välimäki
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Practice & Healthcare Innovation, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China. .,Department of Nursing Science, ICT-city, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| | - Tella Lantta
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Department of Nursing Science, ICT-city, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Yuen Ting Joyce Lam
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Teris Cheung
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Po Yee Ivy Cheng
- grid.417134.40000 0004 1771 4093Community Psychiatric Services, 12/F, Block A, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Tony Ng
- grid.417134.40000 0004 1771 4093Department of Psychiatry, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Glendy Ip
- grid.415585.80000 0004 0469 9664Central Nursing Division, Kwai Chung Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Daniel Bressington
- grid.1043.60000 0001 2157 559XCollege of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarine, Darwin, NT 0909 Australia
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