Suicidal inpatients' experience of constant observation

Abstract

Suicidal inpatients' perspectives on the experience of constant observation by staff or lay workers were sought through interviews using open-ended questions with 14 patients for whom constant observation ranged from 16 hours to 3.5 days. Interview transcripts were analyzed using phenomenological methods to determine common themes. The three major themes that emerged from participants' responses were physical protection, restoration of hope, and distressing incidents. Participants reported that constant observation was beneficial because it contributed to their physical safety and restored hope. They also reported that the absence of supportive interactions, frequent staff changes, and lack of privacy adversely affected their experience.