Special observations in forensic psychiatric practice: gender issues of the watchers and the watched

Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Tom MasonM Thomas

Abstract

Special observations in psychiatric practice may create tensions for both the patient under surveillance and the staff undertaking the procedure. This study reports on special observations undertaken in forensic settings focusing specifically on the gender-sensitive issues. The aim of the study was to investigate the specific gender issues relating to special observations in relation to those under the procedure and those engaged in observing. Three medium secure units in the UK formed the sampling frame, and the population studied was eight female and seven male clinical Registered nurses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-tape-recorded and transcribed for analysis. The analysis involved a Grounded Theory approach to explicate categories and formulate two overarching themes: (1) the psychosocial fusion; and (2) the private as spectacle. There are implications for practice in relation to policy formulation and the implementation of special observations following risk assessment and individual skill identification. It is concluded that gender issues are extremely important for all concerned in this intrusive practice.

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Citations

Aug 2, 2012·Issues in Mental Health Nursing·Martin Salzmann-Erikson, Henrik Eriksson
Mar 23, 2011·Archives of Psychiatric Nursing·Richard RayBarbara Meijer
Oct 14, 2011·Nursing Research and Practice·Martin Salzmann-Erikson, Henrik Eriksson
Jan 18, 2012·International Journal of Older People Nursing·Jan Dewing
Oct 16, 2016·Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association·Richard RayLisa Fuller
Aug 6, 2019·Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing·Simon ChuAlison Baker
Nov 30, 2021·Nursing Inquiry·Esa KumpulaLena-Karin Gustafsson

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