Result article 2013
Gildberg, F.A., Bradley, S.K., & Hounsgaard, L. 2013. Comparing the Obvious: Interactional characteristics of staff in acute mental health nursing and forensic psychiatric nursing Vol 2013, no 12, pp. 205-214. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health. Forskning: Artikel, peer reviewed. Status: Published.
This article reports on and compares two separate studies of the interactional characteristics
of forensic mental health staff and acute mental health staff as they interact with inpatients,
respectively. Both studies were conducted using participant observation, along with informal
and formal interviews. Findings show that both acute and forensic mental health nursing
practice is characterized by two overriding themes; ‘trust and relationship-enabling care’ and
‘behavior and perception-corrective care.’ The comparison of the two studies shows no major
differences in the characteristics of staff interactions with patients or in the overall meanings
ascribed by staff in the different practice settings.
