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Discourse analysis of an `observation levels' nursing policy
Citation
Horsfall, J and Cleary, M, Discourse analysis of an `observation levels' nursing policy, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32, (5) pp. 1291-1297. ISSN 0309-2402 (2000) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2000 Blackwell Science Ltd.
DOI: doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648.2000.01601.x
Abstract
The practice of special observation (or constant observation) is widely used in
inpatient psychiatric facilities for the care of people who are suicidal. In this
study, the policy of special observation was examined using a discourse
analysis method to discern prevailing ideas and practices highlighted within
the policy. After reading, studying and analysing the special observation
nursing policy, the authors brieŻy describe the document and outline the terms
and phrases prevalent within the document. These recurrent ideas are then
organized into ®ve categories: professional responsibilities, suicidality, the
patient's immediate context, the patient's observable behaviour and the nursing
checklist. In discussion of the policy document, the invisibility of the authors,
target audience and patients is noted. The authors attempt to elicit evidence for
the therapeutic nurse±patient relationship in the document. In the analysis of
patient, nurse and doctor roles and responsibilities, it is evident that the policy
document reinforces the traditional medical hierarchy of power relations. Some
assumptions that underpin the document are postulated. Questions regarding
the nature of risk assessment and the evidence base for the medical prescription
of special observation are raised. As well as ideas and themes evident in the
document, the absence of some relevant issues is explored. While the need for
succinctness and clarity in policy documents is acknowledged, the fact that
patient rights, therapeutic processes and ethical dilemmas are absent is deemed
signi®cant.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | discourse analysis, mental health nursing, |
| Research Division: | Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Health services and systems |
| Research Field: | Mental health services |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Public health (excl. specific population health) |
| Objective Field: | Mental health |
| UTAS Author: | Cleary, M (Professor Michelle Cleary) |
| ID Code: | 108467 |
| Year Published: | 2000 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 26 |
| Deposited By: | Health Sciences |
| Deposited On: | 2016-04-19 |
| Last Modified: | 2016-08-15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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