Constant observation is used in psychiatric practice mainly to prevent acutely III in-patients from self-harm. All In-patients in a psychiatric hospital and a general hospital psychiatric unit who had been on constant observation over a 6 month period were identified (13 patients). These patients and their primary nurses were interviewed using different questionnaires. Most patients felt they had benefited from being on constant observation, but disliked the intrusion on their privacy. The nurses agreed that it had helped most patients, but a significant number of nurses found it frustrating and stressful. Our results suggest a need for an information sheet to be given to patients placed on constant observation; that the period on constant observation should be reduced where possible, and that support should be provided for the nurses Involved.

This study, assessed 63 older, long-stay, learning disabled patients, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) highlighted the expected problems in areas of cognition, physical illnesses or disabilities, relationships and activities of daily living. No significant changes were observed in the problems assessed using the HoNOS over a six-month period in this group of patients with relatively stable health problems and needs. HoNOS proved to be useful in identifying some expected problems. However, further studies are needed to assess its sensitivity to changes secondary to improvement or worsening of problems along with wider use to see if its brevity allows it to give sufficient detail on the problems of persons with learning disabilities.