A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patients and Staff on Inpatient Forensic Psychiatric Units During COVID-19 Outbreak.

Authors

  • Courtney Brennan Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  • Patti Socha Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  • Sandy Simpson University of Toronto & Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto
  • Sean Kidd Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15173/ijrr.v4i1.4776

Keywords:

COVID-19, schizophrenia, inpatient, forensic, isolation, outbreak

Abstract

Outbreaks of COVID-19 on inpatient forensic units present a unique challenge as early release is not possible and some facilities were not designed to achieve sustained social distancing [1]. The enforcement of droplet and contact (D&C) precautions required during an outbreak creates further confines and restrictions for patients that are typically subject to considerable constraint during their care.  From December 2020 to January 2021 43 clinicians and 12 patients on inpatient forensic units under unit-wide D&C precautions during COVID-19 outbreaks completed a cross-sectional survey regarding their experience. Virtual focus groups were also conducted to triangulate the qualitative feedback from clinicians. The survey and focus groups found the themes of enablers, barriers, and desired changes to care provision during an outbreak.  Findings are discussed within the broader context of outbreak interventions and the provision of services to those living and working on forensic inpatient units experiencing outbreaks requiring the unit-wide implementation of D&C precautions.

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Published

2021-10-17

How to Cite

Brennan, C., Socha, P. ., Simpson, S., & Kidd, S. (2021). A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patients and Staff on Inpatient Forensic Psychiatric Units During COVID-19 Outbreak. International Journal of Risk and Recovery, 4(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.15173/ijrr.v4i1.4776

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Original Article