[Could you please reduce your seclusion rates? To structure patient care by the methodical work approach]

Creating a safe treatment environment with a minimum use of seclusion at a ward for intensive psychiatric care is a complex process involving many actors. Although s/he is accountable for the use of seclusion, the psychiatrist's influence on actual seclusion practices is limited. The methodical work approach (MWA) to patient care is designed to improve multidisciplinary care delivery.

To investigate ways in which the psychiatrist can structure the treatment and reduce seclusion rates by introducing the MWA.

We performed a quantitative analysis of the effects that the implementation of the MWA on an intervention ward had on the use of seclusion, comparing the intervention ward to control wards. We also conducted a qualitative analysis of the changes that occurred in the work process and in the roles of the various professionals involved.

The use of seclusion had reduced significantly more at the intervention ward than it had at the control wards. The reduced seclusion rates were associated with an increase in interdisciplinary collaboration and professionalisation.

By helping to limit the use of seclusion, possibly due to enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration and professionalisation, the MWA offers new horizons for mental health care professionals and their patients.