The meaning of safety in an acute mental health inpatient services

Authors

Natalie Cutler, University of WollongongFollow
Lorna Moxham, University of WollongongFollow
Moira Stephens, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

102006

Publication Details

Cutler, N., Moxham, L. & Stephens, M. (2015). The meaning of safety in an acute mental health inpatient services. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 22 (8), 39-39.

Link to publisher version (URL)

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal

Abstract

Safety is a priority in acute mental health inpatient services (MHS). In the health context, safety is defined and measured as the absence or reduction of risk (AIHW 2013; ACSQHC 2012). National safety priorities in MHS (AHMAC 2005) focus on reducing adverse events such as suicide, restraint and medication errors, and the primary performance indicator for safety in Australian public MHS is the rate of seclusions per 1,000 patient days (AHMAC 2011).