A pilot study of "post-seclusion and/or restraint review" intervention with patients and staff in a mental health setting.

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate a "post-seclusion and/or restraint review" (PSRR) intervention implemented in an acute psychiatric care unit.

DESIGN AND METHODS: Twelve staff members and three patients were enrolled in a participatory case study. To evaluate PSRR intervention, qualitative analysis was carried out. Seclusion and restraint use 6 months before and after the PSRR implementation was compared.

FINDINGS: Nurses reported that they were able to explore the patient's feelings during the PSRR intervention with patients, which led to restoration of the therapeutic relationship. PSRR with the treatment team was perceived as a learning opportunity, which allowed to improve the therapeutic intervention. Both the use of seclusion and the time spent in seclusion were significantly reduced 6 months after the implementation of PSRR intervention.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Our results suggest the efficacy of PSRR in overcoming the discomfort perceived by both staff and patient and, in the meantime, in reducing the need for coercive procedures. Systematic PSRR could permit to improve the quality of care and the safety of aggressiveness management.