Keeping the Unit Safe: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

It is critical for researchers to develop multidimensional models of prevention that reflect the complexity of the organization of a psychiatric unit. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to develop a midrange theory of violence prevention on inpatient psychiatric units. DESIGN: Grounded theory methods were used for data collection and analysis. Data collection and analyses were conducted simultaneously, and the constant comparative method was used for analysis. RESULTS: The staff and patients were observed on two inpatient psychiatric units for approximately 400 hours. A total of 28 patients and staff was interviewed. The basic social process that emerged from the study was Keeping the Unit Safe. The dimensions of this process are ideology, people, space, and time. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study can be used to assess the safety of particular units and to identify changes that could potentially influence the outcome of patient and staff safety.