Are nurses empowered to make decisions about levels of patient observation in mental health?

Addo, Mary A PhD, MEd, MA, PGCertTLT, DMS, RMN, EN (G)
McKie, Andrew MA, PGCertTLT, PGCertResMeth, DipN, RMN, RGN
Kettles, Alyson M PhD, MSc, PGCEEA, FHEA, FRSM, BSc, DipCrim, RNT, RMN, RGN
Gibb, Jenny MSc, PGCert (Practice Edu), RMN
Gass, John PhD, MN, BA, RNT, DipN, RMN, SRN
Yule, Mhairi MA

AUTHORS Mary A Addo, PhD, MEd, MA, PGCertTLT, DMS, RMN, EN (G), is lecturer; Andrew McKie, MA, PGCertTLT, PGCertResMeth, DipN, RMN, RGN, is lecturer; both at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen; Alyson M Kettles, PhD, MSc, PGCEEA, FHEA, FRSM, BSc, DipCrim, RNT, RMN, RGN, is research and development officer (mental health), NHS Grampian, and assistant professor, College of Nursing, Jesence, Slovenia, and visiting scholar/honorary senior lecturer, Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability, University of Aberdeen; Jenny Gibb, MSc, PGCert (Practice Edu), RMN, is project leader, learning and practice development, acute mental health care, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen; John Gass, PhD, MN, BA, RNT, DipN, RMN, SRN, was senior lecturer (now retired), School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Robert Gordon University; Mhairi Yule, MA, was research assistant, School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Robert Gordon University, when this research was carried out.

Nursing Times 106(9):p 26-28, March 9, 2010.

Mental health nurses are crucial in doing special observations. This study looked at nurses' views on whether they are involved in and empowered to make decisions

ABSTRACT

Addo M et al (2010) Are nurses empowered to make decisions about levels of patient observation in mental health?Nursing Times;106:9, 26–28.

Background The Clinical Resource and Audit Group (2002) guidelines emphasise that local policies should make the procedure for deciding and maintaining patient observation levels clear. Aim To investigate the views of nurses, doctors and other members of the multidisciplinary team on patient observation. Method A postal survey of all acute adult inpatient facilities and intensive patient care units in Scotland was carried out, followed by 38 interviews, 37 with staff members and one with a service user. Results We found a lack of multidisciplinary team involvement, limited pre agreed plans for nurses to reduce levels of observation and limited use of validated risk assessment tools. Conclusion There is a need to ensure that local practice follows national policy recommendations more closely.