Table 2 Sample evidence table

Mezey, Hassell & Batlett (2005)

Qualitative

Interview

Medium-secure NHS psychiatric units (England and Wales)

31 female inpatients

58 staff (9 consultant forensic psychiatrists, 9 ward managers, 18 staff nurses, 9 nursing support workers, 3 social workers, 5 psychologists and 5 occupational therapist). 53% women, 47% men.

To examine the impact of gender segregation on the safety of women patients detained in medium-secure psychiatric facilities.

Women patients in both types of units reported high levels of actual and threatened physical and sexual violence. Women in single-sex units reported intimidation, threats and abuse by other women patients, although they were less vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation and serious physical assault.

Will be assessed and scored from ‘Good’ to ‘Very Poor’ based upon Hawker et al. (2002)

Meehan, Morrison & McDougall (1999)

Mixed methods

Case review and interview

Acute psychiatric unit on the grounds of a public hospital

Case review:

All participants who were recorded as AWOL in the unit’s register within a 6-month study period.

Interviews: 14 patients (9 males, 5 females; 19–58 years old) who were interviewed within 48 h of returning from being AWOL.

To identify patient and environmental characteristics associated with absconding behaviour and to gain an understanding of the behaviour form the patient’s perspective.

Those who absconded were male (58%), under 40 years of age (74%), admitted involuntarily (78%), and had a diagnosis of schizophrenia (42%). One third of all AWOL incidents resulted from repeated absconding by the same individuals. The first 7 days post admission was a high-risk period for absconding behaviour. Identified situational and environmental factors likely to increase the risk of absconding included: staff skills, communication and management strategies.