Reducing Māori seclusion: A summary report with recommendations for managers and leaders of mental health services

In New Zealand there there is a focus on limiting the use of restraint and seclusion, and encouraging the use of preferred alternative interventions, in the mental health in-patient setting. Data on the use of seclusion has limitations. Available information suggests there are ethnic differences in the use of seclusion in New Zealand, with Māori more likely to be secluded than non-Māori (El-Badri and Mellsop, 2002; Mental Health Commission, 2004b; McLeod et. al, 2013).

This summary paper provides a brief summary of the work undertaken to address this issue to date. It then outlines key practical strategies that services could consider implementing as part of their seclusion reduction work, in particular the links with the Six Core Strategies.

Using the Six Core Strategies developed by NAMSHPD, practical strategies and recommendations have been developed to address high rates of Māori seclusion. The target audience for this summary paper includes service managers and leaders, and clinical leaders who are keen to reduce high rates of Māori seclusion and restraint use.