The use of seclusion in the year 2000: what has changed?

This study was undertaken to examine the perceptions of nurses working in three psychiatric settings regarding the effect and use of seclusion. It also aimed to identify current practices at these sites in the metropolitan area of Western Australia. A total of 78 nurses specialising in mental health care participated in the study by completing the 'Attitude towards seclusion survey'. The findings of this study indicate that nurses perceive seclusion as an accepted patient management strategy. The results also showed that the decision to seclude the patient was made by a senior mental health practitioner and that one hour was the average time a patient spent in seclusion. It is important to ensure that punishment, paternalistic attitudes or punitive actions are not part of clinical judgment regarding the use of seclusion. The study has provided evidence of nurses' perceptions concerning seclusion and the results highlight the need for staff to continue to explore and evaluate issues that lead to seclusion in order to facilitate the use of other management strategies that encourage a less restrictive environment.