Aménagement d'une nouvelle salle d'isolement psychiatrique : étude descriptive qualitative sur les perceptions des patients et du personnel infirmier au regard de son impact sur les soins

Restrictive measures remain controversial in psychiatric settings. As a result, many work to eliminate them. This study sought to compare psychiatric inpatients' and nurses' perceptions toward a newly built seclusion room on a psychiatric ward of a Quebec hospital; examine the basis of nurses' decisions to seclude patients; and determine how the new seclusion room impacted patient-nurse relationships. A descriptive qualitative design was used. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six patients and twelve nurses. Thematic analysis was performed. Three categories emerged: the seclusion room as an intervention strategy; impact on patients; negotiation of nurse-patient relationships. Participants highlighted security benefits and some therapeutic advantages of seclusion. However, negative perceptions dominated patient accounts, even among those who have never experienced seclusion. Several patients believed the seclusion room could be used punitively. The seclusion room remains a symbol that generates anxiety among patients, even when they do not personally experience it. As a result, patients report modifying their behaviours and 'playing along' to fit staff expectations.