Consumers and Carer perspectives on poor practice and the use of seclusion and restraint in mental health settings: Results from Australian focus groups

Abstract

Background: Seclusion and restraint are interventions currently permitted for use in mental health services to control or manage a person's behaviour. In Australia, serious concerns about the use of such seclusion and restraint have been raised at least since 1993. Consumers and their supporters have also expressed strong views about the harm of these practices. This paper presents the results of ten focus group discussions with people with lived experience of mental health issues and also carers, family members and support persons in relation to the use of seclusion and restraint. Methods: The 30 consumers and 36 supporters participating in the focus groups convened in four Australian citie..