From: A systematic review of patient safety in mental health: a protocol based on the inpatient setting
Author, year | Study design | Setting | Participants | Aims/objectives | Outcomes/data related to patient safety | Study quality |
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Mezey, Hassell & Batlett (2005) | Qualitative Interview | Medium-secure NHS psychiatric units (England and Wales) | 31 female inpatients 58 staff (9 consultant forensic psychiatrists, 9 ward managers, 18 staff nurses, 9 nursing support workers, 3 social workers, 5 psychologists and 5 occupational therapist). 53% women, 47% men. | To examine the impact of gender segregation on the safety of women patients detained in medium-secure psychiatric facilities. | Women patients in both types of units reported high levels of actual and threatened physical and sexual violence. Women in single-sex units reported intimidation, threats and abuse by other women patients, although they were less vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation and serious physical assault. | Will be assessed and scored from ‘Good’ to ‘Very Poor’ based upon Hawker et al. (2002) |
Meehan, Morrison & McDougall (1999) | Mixed methods Case review and interview | Acute psychiatric unit on the grounds of a public hospital | Case review: All participants who were recorded as AWOL in the unit’s register within a 6-month study period. Interviews: 14 patients (9 males, 5 females; 19–58 years old) who were interviewed within 48 h of returning from being AWOL. | To identify patient and environmental characteristics associated with absconding behaviour and to gain an understanding of the behaviour form the patient’s perspective. | Those who absconded were male (58%), under 40 years of age (74%), admitted involuntarily (78%), and had a diagnosis of schizophrenia (42%). One third of all AWOL incidents resulted from repeated absconding by the same individuals. The first 7 days post admission was a high-risk period for absconding behaviour. Identified situational and environmental factors likely to increase the risk of absconding included: staff skills, communication and management strategies. |