[Standardized Debriefing of Coercive Measures on Psychiatric Acute Wards: A Pilot Study]

OBJECTIVE: The present pilot study investigates the feasibility of a standardized debriefing measure of coercive interventions, for which a guideline has been developed.

METHODS: 12 debriefing sessions were conducted and participating patients and staff members were asked about their perception of the intervention and its benefits. A quantitative and qualitative questionnaire was used and 8 expert-interviews conducted.

RESULTS: Patients and staff members found the intervention helpful, especially to support a trustful therapeutic relationship. The possibility to express feelings perceived during the coercive measure was also underlined as a core effect of the intervention. On the contrary, patients and staff members didn't regard the debriefing session as helpful when looking for alternatives to the coercive measure that took place. The debriefing session should be regularly offered to patients and the moment it takes place needs to be determined individually.

CONCLUSION: The developed guideline can be implemented to conduct debriefing sessions of coercive measures.