Patient and Staff Perspectives on the Use of Seclusion

Objectives: This paper investigates the perceptions and experience of patients and staff on the use of seclusion in psychiatric services. Method: A purpose designed questionnaire was distributed to staff and patients in a general adult mental health service. Results: Staff and patients both attributed more negative than positive feelings to patients’ experience of seclusion. Conclusions: Monitoring and evaluation of the use of seclusion may be insufficient to prevent or ameliorate its emotional impact. More comfortable alternatives to seclusion need to be utilized whenever possible.