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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, J
Special 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 nursing

Volume

6

Issue

6

Pagination

461-467

ISSN

1351-0126

Department/School

School of Health Sciences

Publisher

Blackwell Scientific Publications

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 1999 Blackwell Science. Copyright 2002

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Mental health

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