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Lived Experience Workforce Perspectives About the Consumers' Experiences of Safewards in Acute Inpatient Mental Health Units: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Lived Experience Workforce Perspectives About the Consumers' Experiences of Safewards in Acute Inpatient Mental Health Units: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Antony Mullen, Brenda Happell, Bridget Hamilton and Stephanie Skinner
International journal of mental health nursing, Vol.35(4), pp.1-12
08/2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.70301
PMID: 42444624
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract

acute inpatient mental health units consumers' experiences lived experience workforce Safewards
The Safewards model and its ten interventions have been effective in reducing restrictive practices and preventing conflict within acute inpatient mental health units. However, few studies in the current literature explore the consumers' experiences of Safewards. This exploration also needs to consider the views of Mental Health Nurses and the Lived Experience Workforce, who are both important stakeholders in the application of Safewards and how it impacts on consumers' experiences. Despite this, the views of Mental Health Nurses and the Lived Experience Workforce about consumers' experiences of Safewards are limited. This qualitative study explored the views of Lived Experience Workforce leaders about consumers' experiences of Safewards, and Mental Health Nurses' responses to these experiences in acute inpatient mental health units in Australia. Six Lived Experience Workforce leaders participated in individual interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, revealing four themes: (1) consolidating Safewards through understanding consumers' experiences, (2) consumers as leaders in Safewards, (3) acknowledging the realities of acute inpatient mental health units and (4) practice foundations underpinning Safewards. Results highlighted the positive impact of improved consumer involvement in Safewards. Additionally, mechanisms to develop strategic partnerships between Lived Experience Workforce leaders and mental health nurses warrant further investigation. This study highlighted the restrictive nature of acute inpatient mental health units and the need to acknowledge the impact this has on consumers. Further embedding of foundational approaches, such as trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practice within Safewards, is also required to align with consumers' expectations. Greater recognition of consumers' experiences and their agency within the model, and consideration of other Safewards interventions, is also needed. This is required to increase safety, reduce harms associated with restrictive practice, and enhance Safewards effectiveness.

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