Living 'in between' outside and inside: The forensic psychiatric unit as an impermanent assemblage. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tucker, Ian M.; Brown, Steven D.; Kanyeredzi, Ava; McGrath, Laura; Reavey, Paula
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 55(2019:Jan.)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.10.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents analysis from 'a study of staff and patient experiences of the restrictive environments of a forensic psychiatric unit. The paper conceptualises the forensic unit as an impermanent assemblage, enacted in and through practices that hold a future life outside the unit simultaneously near, yet far. We show how the near-far relations between life inside and outside the unit operate in three ways; 1) in relation to the 'care pathway', 2) practices of dwelling, and 3) creating and maintaining connections to life 'beyond' the unit. The paper concludes with a discussion about possible ways to overcome the limitations to recovery that can arise through practices of impermanence. Highlights: Medium secure forensic psychiatric units can lead to feelings of stasis and unpreparedness for life post-discharge. A future life outside the unit is an organizing presence on the unit, which can lead to the 'outside' feeling simultaneously near yet far. Movement through the institutional care pathway is not always smooth and seamless. Focus on how the practices inside forensic units differ from those outside could help prepare patients for successfully living independently.