Nurses' experiences of psychiatric compulsory care in inpatient settings : A literature review with a qualitative approach

Background: Mental health problems among adults are a growing public health issue and may require psychiatric inpatient care, including involuntary treatment. This places specific demands on healthcare professionals. Nurses play a central role in involuntary care, where they are expected to comply with legal obligations while ethical principles are being challenged. Aim: The aim of this review was to highlight nurses’ experiences of coercion in inpatient care. Method: A qualitative literature review was conducted, based on 17 scientific articles retrieved from the databases CINAHL and PsycInfo. The analysis was conducted using an inductive approach and was linked to person-centered care. The content was analysed according to Kristensson. Results: The results showed that nurses faced ethical dilemmas, emotional strain and organizational challenges when providing involuntary care. At the same time, a strong intention to safeguard patients’ autonomy emerged, despite the constraints imposed by coercion. Conclusion: The conclusion is that nurses’ experiences are complex and influensed by both structural factors and personal values. A deeper understanding of their perspectives may contribute to more ethical and person-centred psychiatric involuntary care.