| Summary: | This thesis contains a literature review and a qualitative research project. The purpose of the literature review was to examine recent literature on service user perspectives on seclusion, to explore the psychological impact of being secluded. Thirteen studies were identified, and their methodological quality was evaluated. The findings of the studies were examined and common themes were identified. Although some service users reported some positive aspects of seclusion, the overall consensus is that seclusion is distressing. This review suggests additional recommendations to those in the NICE guidelines, which may reduce the negative psychological impact of seclusion on service users. The research project investigated the experiential impact on inpatient nursing staff of caring for individuals with early psychosis, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five main themes were identified: 1) Working with uncertainty, 2) Feeling restricted, 3) The ward as a threatening environment, 4) “You’re like my bloody mother” - Working with younger patients, and 5) “Shut the doors and go home” - Coping and self-preservation. Working in the acute inpatient environment can be distressing for staff, however, participants in the study associated working with younger patients experiencing their first admission with closer emotional attachments and increased hope for recovery.
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