Implementation of Safewards model within a Learning Disability setting
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does implementation of Safewards assist in reduction of risk behaviours, restraint and rapid tranquilisation, and increase perception of ward atmosphere on a learning disability unit?
IRAS ID
309379
Contact name
Samantha Tomkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cygnet Health Care Research and Development Group
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Safewards (Bowers et al., 2014) is a model of conflict containment on psychiatric wards. The model identifies six originating domains which are the key influences over conflict such as aggression and self-harm and containment such as physical environment and staff team. Research (Bowers et al., 2015; Stensgaard et al., 2018) shows efficacy of Safewards implementation in mental health settings however there is limited support for its use in other relevant services including Learning Disability (LD) settings. The proposed study aims to evaluate the introduction of the Safewards to a Learning Disability High Dependency Complex Care unit for men to determine suitability and to explore if changes to conflict, containment and ward atmosphere occur. The study aims to address the research question “Does implementation of Safewards assist in reduction of risk behaviours, restraint and rapid tranquilisation, and increase perception of ward atmosphere on a learning disability unit?” Participants for the research will be recruited from the existing staff currently working, and patients residing, at Cygnet Manor. Quantitative data will be collected via psychometrics assessing psychological well-being, quality of life and social climate on the unit. Collated incident data will be used pre and post implementation to allow for analysis of the impact of the model. The research aims to identify whether previous findings can be applied to other LD settings including long term and forensic settings. Based on previous research in alternative environments it is hypothesised that following Safewards implementation there will be a decrease in restrictive interventions and an increase in quality of life and psychological wellbeing.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/WM/0126
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion