Suicidal inpatients' perspectives on the experience of constant
observation by staff or lay workers were sought through interviews using
open-ended questions with 14 patients for whom constant observation ranged
from 16 hours to 3.5 days. Interview transcripts were analyzed using
phenomenological methods to determine common themes. The three major themes
that emerged from participants' responses were physical protection,
restoration of hope, and distressing incidents. Participants reported that
constant observation was beneficial because it contributed to their
physical safety and restored hope. They also reported that the absence of
supportive interactions, frequent staff changes, and lack of privacy
adversely affected their experience.
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