Measures of direct coercion in the perspective of patients and medical staff. The perspective in the context of multiculturalism

Abstract

The psychiatric hospital is a distinct cultural circle, governed by its own rules and regulations. This means interfering with the patient’s privacy and the violation of his bodily integrity. The characteristic fea- ture of the psychiatric ward is the so-called. “paternalism” manifested by legitimate interference in the patient’s personal space, for his good. In health care, the notion of “coercion measures” is most often associ- ated with a psychiatric patient, in which case direct coercive measures are required.
The aim of the study was to analyse the perception of coercive measures by two groups of patients and the medical staff. The study involved 307 persons, 136 staff members and 171 patients who com- pleted the MAVAS questionnaire, to assess attitudes towards aggres- sion and coercive measures at the ward.
Research shows that the differences exist in the perception of ag- gression and legitimacy of coercion between patients and medical staff. Patients emphasize that their aggression in the ward is closely related to the conditions in the hospital, perceived by them as difficult, while the team members highlight that the assault is highly related to pa- tients sickness. Systemic changes are necessary to address divergent di- vergences that have a significant impact on the quality of healthcare.