Nurses' learning experience and expressed opinions regarding seclusion practice within one NHS trust

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Nursing
• Clinical Practice
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Seclusion is a controversial practice in mental health settings.
• Nurses' education and training on seclusion significantly impact its application.
• Understanding nurses' perspectives on seclusion is crucial for improving practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess mental health nurses' education and training on seclusion.
• To explore nurses' opinions and experiences with seclusion practice.
• To identify areas for improvement in seclusion education and policy.

Main Methods:

• Face-to-face interviews with 64 mental health nurses.
• Inquiry into education, training, and opinions on seclusion.
• Thematic analysis of qualitative comments regarding seclusion.

Main Results:

• 73% of nurses reported implementing or supervising seclusion.
• Only 28% recalled specific seclusion training; 34% recalled reading articles.
• Nurses perceived training as more valuable than reading articles for practice.
• 66% desired more information on seclusion.
• 78% disagreed with discontinuing seclusion; 52% found it valuable.
• Nurses identified seclusion challenges but struggled to define proper use.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant gap in formal seclusion training for mental health nurses.
• Nurses view seclusion as a valuable intervention but acknowledge its complexities and potential for abuse.
• Further education and clearer guidelines are needed to support nurses in appropriate seclusion practice.