Involuntary Admission From the Perspective of RNs and Nursing Assistants at a Mental Health Facility

Abstract

The current qualitative research study was performed in a psychiatric hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The study aimed to identify RNs' and nursing assistants' (NAs) ( N = 21) knowledge regarding different types of admission to psychiatric hospitals established by Brazilian legislation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through content analysis resulting in the following theme: Gaps in the Knowledge of RNs and NAs Regarding the Rules for Admission ; and five subthemes: voluntary admission and the requirement of having a responsible person during admission; involuntary admission occurring when the family is the one to hospitalize the patient; involuntary admission is the same as compulsory admission ; is there involuntary admission? ; and the role of the public attorney in involuntary admissions . Results showed deficits in knowledge about the different types of admissions to psychiatric hospitals. Therefore, policies to promote awareness of the legal framework concerning psychiatric treatment should be developed to enable mental health nurses to support patients' autonomy during involuntary admissions. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61 (8), 42–50.]