Patients' preferences for seclusion or forced medication in acute psychiatric emergency in the Netherlands.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined patients' preferences for coercive measures in case of emergency situations on acute psychiatric wards.


METHODS
From November 2004 until January 2006, 104 adult patients completed a questionnaire after they underwent seclusion, nonconsensual medication, or both on one of three acute psychiatric wards in the Netherlands.


RESULTS
Equal numbers of patients preferred seclusion and medication, and both measures were equal in perceived aversiveness and perceived efficacy. Men more often than women expressed a preference for seclusion. Patients who understood why the measure was necessary and acquiesced to it retrospectively held more positive views of the efficacy of the measure.


CONCLUSIONS
Many patients on acute psychiatric wards have a clear preference between seclusion and medication. Patients appreciated receiving explanations of the reasons for the use of a restrictive measure and discussing their preferences with staff.
Veltkamp
Eline
E
Altrecht Mental Health Care, Den Dolder, the Netherlands. e.veltkamp@altrecht.nl
Nijman
Henk
H
Stolker
Joost J
JJ
Frigge
Katja
K
Dries
Pieter
P
Bowers
Len
L
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003068:Coercion; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires