Can Safewards improve patient care and safety in forensic wards? A pilot study

This pilot study was completed in West London Forensic Service, part of West London Mental Health Trust, between September 2014 and May 2015. Patients in the forensic service often present with perplexing behaviours and challenges that threaten the experience of safety on the wards. It is claimed that Safewards can reduce conflict and the need for restrictive interventions. This study was designed to evaluate the implementation of Safewards interventions and to explore their impact in this forensic service. Evidence was found that Safewards can assist in creating safer, less restrictive wards, but there was also indication of a strong organisational pull to resist change and to maintain the existing status quo.