Review Article
Year: 2017 | Month: December | Volume: 7 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 212-220
Seclusion: A Concept Analysis
Sibanda Sinqobile, Mundwa Mercy, Mubatapasi Cynthia, Zvinavashe Mathilda,
Musona-Rukweza Judith, Makoni Petty
University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Science
Corresponding Author: Sibanda Sinqobile
ABSTRACT
Objective: Seclusion guided by the legal bodies, has been a measure frequently used to manage distracting and violent behaviour. Nonetheless, seclusion of mentally ill patients in a psychiatric set up has proven to be a difficult practice for most nurses and psychiatric patients because the meaning of the term seclusion is not fully understood. Moreover, how, where, when to and when not to seclude patients is not meticulously followed. The aim of this paper was to clarify the meaning of seclusion.
Methods: A concept analysis of seclusion was performed utilizing the eight steps of Walker and Avant’s strategic method. Initially 20 articles from 1999-2017 were reviewed. Seven articles were later dropped and thirteen articles were finally reviewed to deduce the definition of seclusion.
Results: The antecedents for seclusion were identified as physical and verbal aggression, absconding tendencies, harm to self and others. Resultant consequences were that it; calms patient agitation, controls disruptive behaviour, guarantees a safe environment, prevents patient harming self and others, but it may cause physical and psychological harm to the patient.
Conclusion: The aim of this paper was to facilitate proper interpretation of seclusion which in turn would lead to proper execution of seclusion. This will consequently reduce patient seclusion related health challenges as well as reduce the use of seclusion.
Key words: seclusion, concept analysis, antecedents, consequences, Mental Health Act, Walker and Avant