A comparison of patient and staff attitudes toward seclusion

The purpose of this study was to compare directly the attitudes of patients and staff members toward seclusion. To make such a comparison, a questionnaire consisting of 24 items was given to adult psychiatric inpatients and staff members of a state mental hospital. The results showed that the two groups differed greatly in their attitudes over a wide range of topics; many staff members did not realize how much and in what ways seclusion affects patients. It was concluded that appropriate training of both groups is needed to make seclusion less traumatic and more efficient.