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Seclusion in an enriched environment versus seclusion as usual: A quasi-experimental study using mixed methods
Cornelia G J M van der Venne1, Berno van Meijel1,2,3, Mathijs Deen1
1Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Plos One
|November 11, 2021
Summary
Psychiatric seclusion rooms, whether enriched or regular, do not significantly alter patient experience. Patients consistently find seclusion a dreadful experience, recommending distraction facilities regardless of room design.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Environmental Psychology
- Healthcare Design
Background:
- Patient seclusion in psychiatric treatment is frequently traumatic.
- Adjustments to seclusion room design have been suggested to mitigate negative patient experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically compare patient experiences in an 'Enriched Environment Seclusion' (EES) room versus a regular seclusion (RS) room.
- To investigate the impact of environmental design on the psychological impact of seclusion.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design compared two groups of patients (n=26 EES, n=27 RS).
- The EES room included audio-visual facilities, a private toilet, a couch, and user-controlled lighting, color, blinds, and temperature.
- Patient experiences were assessed using the 'Patient View-of-Seclusion Questionnaire' and open-ended questions.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in seclusion experiences was found between the EES and RS groups (p = .21).
- Both groups described seclusion as a dreadful experience.
- Patients in the EES room appreciated distraction, while RS room patients desired more distractions.
Conclusions:
- Seclusion remains a burdensome experience for patients, irrespective of the physical environment or facilities.
- The availability of distraction facilities, as in EES rooms, is recommended if seclusion is unavoidable.
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