title: Sex on show. Issues of privacy and dignity in a Forensic mental health hospital: Nurse and patient views.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore perceptions of privacy and dignity for sexual relationships in a Forensic mental health hospital.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The role of nurses in forensic mental health hospitals is frequently complicated by opposing expectations of therapeutic relationships and maintaining security. What can result is an over-emphasis on risk reduction by controlling patient behaviour, which can extend to patient intimacy and sexual relationships.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exploratory, qualitative approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individual interviews were conducted with 12 nurses and 10 patients in a forensic mental health hospital. Thematic data analysis was undertaken to identify the main themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The need for a private and dignified place for patient intimacy was one major theme to emerge from this research from both nurse and patient participants and is the focus of this article. A disparity is reported between the level of support reported by nurse participants with the experience of the patient participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sexual intimacy and sexual relationships are important components of normal human behaviour. Institutional rules and rule adherence create barriers for patients, forcing their intimacy and sexual relationships into secrecy. There is a need for further research to consider the benefits and risks of patient intimacy and sexual relationships for long-term patients in forensic mental health settings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients in forensic hospitals are sexually active and seek support from nurses. Nurses are in an ideal role to recognise the important part they can play in supporting the intimacy and sexual relationship needs of patients. Strategies to assist in developing confidence in responding to normal human behaviour is a matter of priority.
authors.affiliation: Victorian Centre for Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Fairfield, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.affiliation: Synergy, Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, University of Canberra, Faculty of Health, Canberra, ACT, Australia.|ACT Health, Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D018907:Privacy; D011793:Queensland; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: forensic; mental health; nurses; nursing; patients; sexual relationships