NURS1102 - Examining the Role of Nurses in Seclusion Reduction

This essay examines the critical role nurses play in reducing the use of seclusion as a treatment method for mental health patients, particularly older adults. It addresses the definition of seclusion, reasons for aggressive and violent behavior among patients, and justifications cited by nurses for implementing seclusion in mental health settings. The essay references several studies and articles discussing nurses' attitudes towards seclusion, perceptions regarding its elimination, and best practices for reducing and eliminating seclusion and restraint. Organizational policies, staffing shortages, and the lack of alternative treatments are also explored as contributing factors influencing the use of seclusion. Desklib offers a range of similar academic resources for students.

Role of nurses in reduction of
Seclusion

Introduction to Seclusion
 Seclusion is one of the most important
treatment of the mental health disorders
that are often evident older people. The
aspect of seclusion is defined as the
confinement of individuals in a locked
room which prevents an individual from
the normal daily interactions with other
people in their external environment.

Reasons for Aggressive and Violent
Behaviour among Patients
 Cultural differences between the nurses
and the patients invariably created a
misrepresentation of the patient’s
behaviour.
 The quality of interpersonal relationship
and environment that the patients are
exposed to on a daily basis are also a
very important factors that is contributing
to their aggressive and violent behaviour.

Reasons cited by Nurses for
implementing Seclusion in a
Mental Health Setting
 Lack of an alternative treatment to restraint
and seclusion s for dealing with mental patients
that are demonstrating aggressive and violent
behaviour.
 Organisational policies such as ensuring a safe
environment to patients and staffs, focusing on
the degree of care required by the patients and
a shortage of medical staffs are also
contributing towards the practice of seclusion
being considered as an effective form of
treatment in dealing with mental patients
showcasing aggressive and violent behavior.

Bibliography
 Happell, B., & Harrow, A. (2010). Nurses' attitudes to the use of
seclusion: A review of the literature. International journal of mental
health nursing, 19(3), 162-8.
 Gerace, A., & Muir‐Cochrane, E. (2018). Perceptions of nurses
working with psychiatric consumers regarding the elimination of
seclusion and restraint in psychiatric inpatient settings and
emergency departments: An Australian survey. International Journal
of Mental Health Nursing.
 O’Hagan, Divis, & Long. (2008). Best practice in the reduction and
elimination of seclusion and restraint; Seclusion: time for change.
National Centre of Mental Health Research, Information and
Workforce Development. Auckland: Te Pou Te Whakaaro Nui.
 Purcell, A., McGlinsey, Beckett, Rudd, & Arbour. (2015). Restraint
Reduction, Restraint Elimination, and Best Practice: Role of the
Clinical Nurse Specialist in Patient Safety. The International Journal of
Advanced Nursing Practice, 29(6).
 Cochrane, E. M., McCann, T. V., Baird, J., & McCann, F. (2010). Nurses’
experiences of seclusion and restraint use in acute old age psychiatry
inpatient units. Melbourne.

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