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

Brief face-to-face interviews took place with 64 mental health nurses working within one National Health Service Trust about their education and training regarding seclusion practice. Free comments were also recorded as to their opinions about seclusion practice. Seventy-three per cent claimed to have either implemented seclusion or supervised patients in seclusion. Only 28% recalled any training or education regarding seclusion practice with 34% recalling reading articles. Training experiences were perceived to be more appropriate to practice than reading articles. Sixty-six per cent claimed that they would like more information. Seventy-eight per cent disagreed with the statement that seclusion should no longer be used with 52% agreeing that seclusion was a valuable intervention. Brief comments made during interviews were sorted into six thematic categories. Nurses' comments involved issues concerning: (1) keeping safe; (2) seclusion abuse; (3) nurses' role conflict in implementing seclusion; (4) the value of seclusion in 'real world' practice; (5) the learning process; and (6) 'against the wall' decision-making. Nurses were more able to identify difficulties than define proper use of seclusion. Nurses most closely involved with seclusion were more likely to refuse to be interviewed about their experiences reflecting the fact that issues surrounding seclusion continue to be a sensitive area for research.