Forensic psychiatry in times of COVID-19: a qualitative study into the concerns and needs of patients

Forensic psychiatry in times of COVID-19: a qualitative study into the concerns and needs of patients Annabel Simjouw, Nienke Verstegen, Wineke Smid, Agnita Langeveld The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.- The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the concerns and needs of forensic psychiatric patients regarding the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their mental health and treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine patients from various wards of the hospital. Using the consensual qualitative research method, these interviews were coded by a team of three researchers. Four domains emerged from the analysis, namely, restrictions, emotional consequences, coping and communication. One of the primary restrictions for patients was not being allowed to have physical contact with the people in their network/visitors. This prompted patients, in some cases, to decline visitors altogether. Emotional consequences of the COVID-19 measurements included anxiety, frustration and passivity. Ambiguity about the rules added to this frustration. Furthermore, a cut in autonomy was felt by patients due to them not being able to do their own grocery shopping. Despite these restrictions that were imposed on patients, the relationship between patients and staff was perceived as good and even improved according to the participants. A lack of autonomy emerged as a salient issue relate...
Source: Journal of Forensic Practice - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Source Type: research