Understanding Patient Safety in Mental Healthcare
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer Plumb, Joanne Travaglia, Peter Nugus, Jeffrey Braithwaite
Primary Institution: Centre for Clinical Governance Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, University of New South Wales
Hypothesis
What does patient safety mean in mental healthcare and how is it accomplished?
Conclusion
The study aims to provide insights into how patient safety is conceptualized and enacted in mental health settings.
Supporting Evidence
- Patient safety literature has largely neglected mental healthcare.
- Existing research often fails to address the unique aspects of safety in mental health settings.
- Ethnographic methods provide valuable insights into the complexities of patient safety.
Takeaway
This study looks at how mental health workers keep patients safe and what safety means to them.
Methodology
The study uses a qualitative ethnographic approach with multiple phases of observation and interviews in two mental health settings.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the researcher's presence during observations and interactions.
Limitations
The study may not capture all aspects of patient safety due to the qualitative nature and specific settings chosen.
Participant Demographics
Approximately 50 mental health staff members from multidisciplinary teams including doctors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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