Patients Perspectives on Seclusion and Restraint Experience at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2024-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Mental health research across the world has elicited various perspectives regarding the experiences of seclusion and restraint of mentally unwell, aggressive patients. In spite of the need of understanding some of the determinants of seclusion and restraint of mentally ill patients, there has been limited publications particularly in the Kenyan context addressing the experiences of seclusion and restraint on social demographic characteristics of a mentally ill patient, patient and Institutional factors leading to seclusion and restraint as well as exploring the experiences of the mentally ill patients undergoing seclusion and restraint at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. The present study therefore aimed to explore patient’s experience on seclusion and restraint at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital as well as describing the patient and institutional factors leading to their seclusion and restraints. Phenomenological research approach was carried out and Qualitative data was gathered using interview guide. The study targeted all the patients who had been nursed in seclusion and restraint during admission to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital Nairobi City, Kenya, and those who consented to the study and were mentally stable. The study used purposive sampling method to select participants whereby the sample consisted of 10 participants who were interviewed until saturation of data was reached. Audio recorder was used to record the patients as they narrated their experiences. Data was collected for a period of about two months. The data was transcribed verbatim, Coding was done and codes which were similar were grouped into same categories. Similar categories were grouped into themes. Data was analyzed through iterative approach. It was revealed that seclusion procedure at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital was not patient friendly as they were forced to it and not provided with the basic needs apart from medication. The interviewees also described two main themes relating to experiences of patients undergoing seclusion and restraint at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital including desirable views of seclusion and restraints and undesirable views on seclusion and restraints experiences. The desirable view on seclusion experiences included that seclusion and restraint provided relief and a less stimulating environment in which they felt safe and secure. Patients were grateful for the constant support and supervision of health care providers. However, the undesirable experiences as mentioned by the respondents was that during seclusion and restraint they experienced abandonment, mistreatment and neglect. The study concludes that seclusion and restraint is a crucial but contentious treatment which should only be used as a last resort, and steps should be taken to guarantee that patients’ dignity is preserved as guided by the Mental Health Act 2016. The study recommends that Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital to have the seclusion sessions customized to each patient’s unique cognitive ability and mental condition.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment a Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Nursing (Mental Health & Psychiatry) in the School of Health Sciences - Kenyatta University, November, 2024
Supervisor:
1.Priscilla Kabue
2. J. Masika