The path of compassion in forensic psychiatry

Lars Hammarström,Siri Andreassen Devik,Ove Hellzén,Marie Häggström

doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.027

Lars Hammarström, Siri Andreassen Devik + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.027

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Abstract

We aimed to deepen our understanding of the concept of compassion in caring for patients with mental illness in forensic psychiatric inpatient care settings. Qualitative analysis was used to illuminate themes from interviews conducted with 13 nurses in a prior study. The audiotaped interviews, which had been transcribed verbatim, were analyzed following a hermeneutic approach. Results revealed the main theme of “being compassionate in forensic psychiatry is an emotional journey” and three themes. Overall, compassion was seen as a changeable asset, but also an obstacle when absent; sensitivity to one's own vulnerability is necessary to overcome that obstacle.

Highlights

The wellbeing of nurses is the foundation of forensic psychiatric care, which involves working with mentally disordered people who have been involved in criminal activity or have encountered other legal issues
The results are presented in one main theme: being compassionate in forensic psychiatry—an emotional journey, which entailed three themes—recognizing suffering and need for support; responding to patients suffering; reacting to one's own vulnerability—and subsequent subthemes
This study presented one main theme: “being compassionate in forensic psychiatry - an emotional journey”, which was further broken down to three themes: “Interpreting the patients suffering”, “Response to patients suffering” and “Response to own suffering”, which was further described in six subthemes

Summary

Introduction

The wellbeing of nurses is the foundation of forensic psychiatric care, which involves working with mentally disordered people who have been involved in criminal activity or have encountered other legal issues. While challenging, providing care within a forensic setting creates unique opportunities for nurses to affect the wellbeing of patients (Rydenlund et al, 2019) and alleviate the suffering of offenders with severe mental illnesses (Nedopil et al, 2015). To be effective, this requires relationship-based care (Encinares et al, 2005; Schafer & Peternelj-Taylor, 2003). Compassion and self-compassion is closely linked, as it involves admitting that suffering, failure and inadequacies are part of being human, that all people, oneself included, are worthy of compassion (Neff, 2003)

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