Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
not be applied to the practices and processes of increased
observation within the context of Intellectual Disability services or
nursing home services.
The findings of this study clearly indicate wide variations and
inconsistencies in the local increased observation policies of Irish
mental health services. These variations are reflected in practice
with little consensus on defining the intervention, the procedures
and processes relating to the initiating, modifying and discontinuing
increased levels of observation that may contribute to confusion
regarding the role and responsibility of nursing staff, and clinical
and statistical recording systems. These variations and
inconsistencies have serious implications for mental health services
users, staff and managers.
The findings of this survey indicate that standardised guidelines are
necessary to address inconsistencies in policies and practice, and
ultimately to improve patient care and safety.
Bowers, L., Gournay, K. and Duffy, D. (2000) Suicide and self-harm
in inpatient psychiatric units: a national survey of observation
policies. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 32(2): 437-444.
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