A multidimensional scalogram analysis of the use of seclusion in acute psychiatric settings

Seclusion is still an available strategy for managing difficult and disturbed behaviour in British psychiatric hospitals and units. While arguments for and against the continued use of seclusion remain, little empirical work has been done on the subject. Most of the research to date has been completed in America, and findings may not be entirely applicable to the UK. In this study, 109 records of seclusion in one health authority were examined, and each of the 52 patients involved in these seclusions were coded on six different variables. These were analysed using the multidimensional scaling (MDS) procedure--multidimensional scalogram analysis (MSA-1)--to explore possible relationships between the variables. Three sets of relationship were observed: (1) the length of time spent in seclusion was related to the status of the patient; (2) higher rates of seclusion were shown to be linked to higher levels of staffing; and (3) the sex of the patient was related to the number of different staff authorizing seclusion. Some possible explanations for these findings are outlined, and suggestions for future research in this domain are offered.