Struggling with unnecessary suffering—Registered nurses' experiences of delayed decisions on treatment without consent in forensic psychiatric inpatient care

Abstract

AbstractChemical restraints are used in forensic psychiatric inpatient care, however with caution as it can feel like an assault against patients' integrity. When waiting for decisions on treatment without consent, nursing staff are expected to care for patients with severe mental ill‐health without the use of medical treatment, often with a feeling of already having tried all other available means. Knowledge about how registered nurses experience such situations is sparse but could contribute to the development of both teamwork and nursing approaches that could mean reduced suffering for patients. The aim of this study was to describe registered nurses' experiences of delayed decisions on treatment without consent in forensic psychiatric inpatient care. Eleven semi‐structured interviews were conducted with registered nurses working in forensic psychiatric units in Sweden. Data were analysed through qualitative content analysis. The result showed that experiences of treatment without consent were about striving to protect patients from harm, striving for collaboration during difficult circumstances and striving to do good. This was interpreted as a struggle with unnecessary suffering. For registered nurses to be able to handle such challenging situations and relieve suffering for patients, experience and master‐level education in mental health nursing are highlighted. Another aspect that is highlighted is the importance of having consultants familiar with the circumstances at the unit. A method for joint reflection is suggested, to promote an open‐minded work culture with a well‐functioning decision‐making process and ensure that both consultants and nursing staff have support.