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Suicidal patients and special observation
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 19:00 authored by Cleary, M, Jordan, R, Horsfall, J, Mazoudier, P, Delaney, JSpecial observation is a nursing practice utilized in in-patient psychiatric facilities for patients who are suicidal. Special observation is carried out by an allocated registered nurse remaining continuously at arms length from, or within sight of (as specified), the patient; or a registered nurse observing the patient within a 30 min interval. In this exploratory study, we investigated the role of the registered nurse when caring for patients on special observation. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 randomly selected registered nurses from 4 acute psychiatric wards. The 9 themes that emerged were: 1) Safety; 2) Therapeutic relationships; 3) Supporting patients and carers; 4) Consequences of special observation for nurses; 5) Continuity of care concerns; 6) Peer support; 7) Suicide indicators; 8) Responsibilities and rights: nurses and patients; and 9) Nurses, doctors and the hospital hierarchy. Recommendations for alleviation of the concerns about the practice of special observation are outlined and discussed.
History
Publication title
Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursingVolume
6Issue
6Pagination
461-467ISSN
1351-0126Department/School
School of Health SciencesPublisher
Blackwell Scientific PublicationsPlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
Copyright 1999 Blackwell Science. Copyright 2002Repository Status
- Restricted