A study of the official records of seclusion

The official records of seclusion on one locked ward in a city hospital were analysed. In the first instance we examined the frequency of seclusion, the sex and type of the patients secluded over a 4-year period. Following the introduction of a new recording system, a more detailed analysis of all the official records of seclusion over a 2-year period was then carried out (n = 225). The findings are presented here as simple frequency counts and provide a detailed picture of the use of seclusion in this particular area. They include details about the way in which seclusion was used on the ward and the reasons staff provided for secluding patients. The use of official records as research data illustrate how important insights into the daily care of psychiatric patients may be explored in a fruitful manner.