Exploring Decision-Making Factors of Psychiatric Nurses in the Application of Seclusion and Restraint: Applying Focus Group Interviews / 정신간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore psychiatric nurses' decision making in the use of seclusion and restraint (SR). METHODS: Data were collected using focus group interviews. Two focus group interviews were held with a total of 10 psychiatric nurse participants. All interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Eleven categories emerged from three main themes. All the themes describe factors that participants took into account when deciding whether to implement SR 1) Personal factors area ‘Personal attributes of nurses,’ ‘Attitude of nurses regarding SR,’ ‘Nurses’ ‘physical and emotional states,’ ‘Negative experiences of nurses related to SR’; 2) Relational factors area ‘The level of cooperation between nurses and doctors,’ ‘Role models created by seniors and colleagues,’ ‘The level of support by nursing assistants,’ ‘Therapeutic relations with patients’; and 3) Environmental factors area ‘Poor nursing work environment,’ ‘Atmosphere of ward regarding SR,’ and ‘Social atmosphere to raise alarm about SR.’ CONCLUSION: These findings should be considered in the evaluation of the use of SR in psychiatric hospital settings and appropriate strategies used to help minimize the use of restraint.