Constant special observation and self-harm on acute psychiatric wards: a longitudinal analysis - 20/08/11
, Len Bowers, Ph.D., Fiona Warburton, M.Sc.Abstract |
Objective |
Special observation (the allocation of nurses to watch over nominated patients) is a method of preventing patients harming themselves. This study assessed the relationship between constant special observation (keeping a patient within eyesight or reach) and rates of self-harm on acute psychiatric wards.
Method |
A longitudinal analysis of officially collected data covering a period of 2 1/2 years from 16 acute wards at three Hospitals in London.
Results |
There was no statistically significant association between constant special observation and self-harm outcomes. Use of observation varied markedly between hospitals and wards, but overall, there was a significant decline over time. Self-harm incidents were rare (recorded in only 7% of ward weeks) and did not decline over time, but were correlated over consecutive weeks.
Conclusion |
The lack of association with self-harm suggests that the use of constant special observation could be reduced without compromising patient safety.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Self-harm, Acute psychiatric wards, Observation
Plan
Vol 31 - N° 6
P. 523-530 - novembre 2009 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
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