Nursing

Psychological intervention

Marketing

Seclusion

Thematic analysis

Mathematics education

Health care

Patient safety

Neuroscience

Forensic science

Forensic psychiatry

Psychiatry

Economics

Occupational safety and health

Business

Qualitative research

Veterinary medicine

Psychology

Applied psychology

Unit (ring theory)

Political science

Mental illness

Sociology

Focus group

Mental health

Medicine

Economic growth

Teamwork

Perception

Pathology

Social science

Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology

Safety is a primary focus in forensic mental health facilities as aggression and violence related to symptoms of mental illness is an ongoing challenge in these settings. Recovery-oriented strategies to improve safety focus on communication and prevention to reduce the incidence of aggression and violence, but interventions are often challenging to sustain. This may be related to a disconnect between events and staff perceptions. A fuller understanding of staff perceptions of safety may ensure that organizational efforts respond to their perceived needs. This study aimed to provide an in depth exploration of frontline forensic mental health staff's perceptions of safety on their units. Eighty-eight interdisciplinary staff participated in semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. The main themes that emerged related to staff's perceptions of safety on their units were: environment, policies, and practices; teamwork and support; staff experience and knowledge; and patients, patients, patients. Interestingly, most of the themes identified have been addressed by frameworks aimed at reducing conflict, restraint and seclusion; however, positive staff-staff relationships and teamwork were perceived as increasing safety on the unit. This has not previously been addressed by frameworks and could have the potential to improve sustainability of safety initiatives.

Relationships, experience, and support: staff perception of safety in a forensic mental health facility