title: An ethnomethodological analysis of the use of seclusion.
abstract: The use of seclusion in psychiatric practice is a contentious issue. This paper reports on an ethnomethodological approach to understanding the decision-making process in the use of seclusion. Through first-level and second-level reasoning analysis, three themes emerged which underscored the subjects' rationalization process. These were: (a) mechanistic searching, (b) frame conflict, and (c) asylum status. This research suggests that the decision to use seclusion is based on a complex interplay of cultural and organizational factors rather than due to the presentation of symptoms by the patient.
authors.affiliation: Liverpool University/Ashworth Hospital, Maghull, Merseyside, England.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D004739:England; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010356:Patient Isolation