Patients’ experiences of seclusion and long-term segregation.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are forensic patients’ experiences of seclusion and long-term segregation? A qualitative exploration of the perceived barriers and enablers to forensic patients progressing in their care pathway.
IRAS ID
326695
Contact name
Victoria Wolfendale
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Chester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Not applicable, Not applicable
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 6 days
Research summary
The researcher will explore the forensic patients’ experiences of seclusion and long-term segregation (LTS), through a qualitative exploration of the barriers and enablers to forensic patients progressing in their care pathway. The research will primarily focus on what factors are perceived to be helpful or limit progression in their care pathway within the high secure environment.
What is known from contemporary literature is the use of seclusion, long-term segregation (LTS), and restraint has been shown to have adverse effects on the therapeutic milieu, resulting in damage to patient and staff relationships and are perceived to be incompatible with caring values that are a core aspect of working within healthcare (Chaung and Huang, 2007). Supplementary, there is also a growing body of literature that recognises that simply witnessing restraint or restrictive interventions can have negative psychological implications for patients and staff (Wilson et al., 2007; Holmes et al., 2015; Price et al., 2017). Literature has explored patient and staff experiences of forensic mental health care, however, there remains a paucity of qualitative research that explores experiences of restrictive practices specifically from the patient’s perspective in the UK. Therefore, patients who have experienced seclusion or segregation must be given a “voice” which can positively influence changes to practice.
In England, inpatient forensic psychiatric care is available in three high-security NHS hospitals. This research project will involve ten participants from two High Secure Forensic Mental Health Services – specifically Broadmoor and Rampton Hospital.
A qualitative approach, utilising 1:1 semi-structured interviews will be used to obtain valuable insights into the high secure patient population and their experiences. A purposive sampling method will be utilised, which will enable the exploration of the patient perspectives concerning approaches to reducing restrictive practices when residing in seclusion or LTS.
The study will last for one year and 11 months.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/WM/0236
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion