Seclusion as a concept is poorly understood and this is reflected in the literature on the topic, particularly from nursing authors. This has led to an emotionally charged altercation rather than academic debate, both within the literature and at conferences. But why bother learning about seclusion at all, particularly as it is used less and less within mental health? We would point out to those sceptical about the value of this book that seclusion is not only of interest as an intervention per se, but is valuable in reflecting a shifting ethos within care. For some reason, seclusion has been neglected; we believe that one reason is that it impinges upon widely held myths and beliefs within psychiatric practice. Questioning about seclusion uncovers uncomfortable facts and assumptions concerning the values underpinning today's mental health care approaches. Such uncomfortable questioning is often avoided for safer research pursuits. Also, we hold that this book is necessary in examining issues pertaining to seclusion practice. There is a gap within nursing knowledge in so far as seclusion is concerned, as our chapter on education upholds. Yet inquiries and litigation have highlighted the fact that seclusion practice must be more clearly understood as an intervention. At present, such understanding is erratic and far from useful in providing a higher standard of care. Practitioners need to make informed decisions regarding seclu sion, and this book aims to provide the necessary information on which to base these decisions.

The publication of this work resulted in a public outcry in the 1900's that began an inquiry into the state of U.S. mental health care and psychiatric services. It contributed significantly to the mental hygiene movement and to establish the National Committee for Mental Hygiene

Healthcare decision makers in search of reliable information that compares health interventions increasingly turn to systematic reviews for the best summary of the evidence. Systematic reviews identify, select, assess, and synthesize the findings of similar but separate studies, and can help clarify what is known and not known about the potential benefits and harms of drugs, devices, and other healthcare services. Systematic reviews can be helpful for clinicians who want to integrate research findings into their daily practices, for patients to make well-informed choices about their own care, for professional medical societies and other organizations that develop clinical practice guidelines. Too often systematic reviews are of uncertain or poor quality. There are no universally accepted standards for developing systematic reviews leading to variability in how conflicts of interest and biases are handled, how evidence is appraised, and the overall scientific rigor of the process. In Finding What Works in Health Care the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 21 standards for developing high-quality systematic reviews of comparative effectiveness research. The standards address the entire systematic review process from the initial steps of formulating the topic and building the review team to producing a detailed final report that synthesizes what the evidence shows and where knowledge gaps remain. Finding What Works in Health Care also proposes a framework for improving the quality of the science underpinning systematic reviews. This book will serve as a vital resource for both sponsors and producers of systematic reviews of comparative effectiveness research.

Therapeutic architecture can be described as the people-centered, evidence-based discipline of the built environment, which aims to identify and support ways of incorporating those spatial elements that interact with people physiologically and psychologically into design. Architecture is an important factor in people's lives when they are well; when they experience ill-health and are less able to cope it becomes even more important. This book explores the design of specialized residential architecture for people with mental health problems. It sets out to show how building design can support medical and health related procedures and practices, leading to better therapeutic outcomes and an enhanced quality of life. Based on almost two decades of research, it aims to understand how architectural design interacts with the therapeutic milieu, the care programs, and actually living in the spaces. The book is divided into two main parts covering theory and research. Part one consists of three chapters: a brief introduction to old practices, current medical psychosocial and architectural thinking, and alternative thinking. Part two explores the research and conclusions derived from fieldwork. This book provides a fascinating insight into the effect that architectural design can have on all of us, but particularly on those with mental health problems. "Dr. Evangelia Chrysikou explains the many aspects of mental health and its relation to the quality of the built environment and I strongly recommend this very enjoyable book to anyone who would like to find out more about this important topic." - Prof. Alan Dilani, Ph.D. , International Academy for Design and Health "This book provides important, evidence-based data that will help to drive the design of new and refurbished psychiatric facilities and will no doubt become a highly-regarded resource for medical planners and architects." - Jo Makosinski , Editor, Building Better Healthcare

Explore the realities behind the headlines concerning children who have been isolated or physically restrained in schools, sometimes resulting in injury or even death. The editors address the legal and ethical issues underlying these practices, and, more importantly, what can be done to move schools away from potentially harmful treatment of children. This valuable resource explores the array of practices and approaches that provide effective and safe ways to prevent and reduce conflict, de-escalate conflict and aggressive behavior and train educators in crisis intervention.

The rules of patient restraint and seclusion have changed. Is your staff up to speed? As of January 2007, CMS requires that your hospital comply with new Conditions of Participation for patient restraint and seclusion. The new requirements focus on patient rights and include additional staff training requirements regarding restraint and seclusion.Don t take chances with reimbursement and patient rights. Equip every member of your staff with "The CMS Restraint Training Requirements Handbook. "Sold in packs of 25, these portable handbooks are a necessary resource for easily and effectively informing your staff about the new CMS restraint and seclusion rules. This staff training tool explains the specifics of the new training requirements, including the following prescriptive requirements: Application of restraints Implementation of seclusion Monitoring of patients in restraint/seclusion Assessment of patients in restraint/seclusion Providing care for a patient in restraint or seclusion Concise and easy-to-use, the handbook also includes sample competency assessment skill sheets for staff who are involved in restraint and seclusion. "The CMS Restraint Training"" Requirements Handbook" offers a cost-effective and convenient way to ensure your staff knows how to comply with the latest rules. "

Hospital and Healthcare Security, Fifth Edition, examines the issues inherent to healthcare and hospital security, including licensing, regulatory requirements, litigation, and accreditation standards. Building on the solid foundation laid down in the first four editions, the book looks at the changes that have occurred in healthcare security since the last edition was published in 2001. It consists of 25 chapters and presents examples from Canada, the UK, and the United States. It first provides an overview of the healthcare environment, including categories of healthcare, types of hospitals, the nonhospital side of healthcare, and the different stakeholders. It then describes basic healthcare security risks/vulnerabilities and offers tips on security management planning. The book also discusses security department organization and staffing, management and supervision of the security force, training of security personnel, security force deployment and patrol activities, employee involvement and awareness of security issues, implementation of physical security safeguards, parking control and security, and emergency preparedness. Healthcare security practitioners and hospital administrators will find this book invaluable. - Practical support for healthcare security professionals, including operationally proven policies, and procedures - Specific assistance in preparing plans and materials tailored to healthcare security programs - Summary tables and sample forms bring together key data, facilitating ROI discussions with administrators and other departments - General principles clearly laid out so readers can apply the industry standards most appropriate to their own environment NEW TO THIS EDITION: - Quick-start section for hospital administrators who need an overview of security issues and best practices

This Code of Practice is a reference tool for those dealing with, and caring for people admitted to hospital and care homes with mental health problems. Authored by the Department of Health and produced following wide consultation with those who provide and receive services under the Mental Health Act, this publication will come into force on 3 November 2008. Through the Mental Health Act 2007, the Government has updated the 1983 Act to ensure it keeps pace with the changes in the way that mental health services are - and need to be - delivered. This publication provides guidance and advice to registered medical practitioners, approved clinicians, managers and staff of hospitals, and approved mental health professionals on how they should proceed when undertaking duties under the Act. It also gives guidance to doctors and other professionals about certain aspects of medical treatment for mental disorder more generally. The Mental Health Act Code of Practice is also aimed at all of those working in primary care, Mental Health Trusts, NHS Foundation Trusts as well as solicitors and attorneys who advise on mental health law. The Code should also be beneficial to the police and ambulance services and others in health and social services (including the independent and voluntary sectors) involved in providing services to people who are, or may become, subject to compulsory measures under the Act. It will also be a guide for those working with people with specific mental health needs such as those in nursing and care homes, and those in prison.