ORCID

Abstract

In November 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care published guidance, entitled 'Baroness Hollins' Final Report: My Heart Breaks-Solitary Confinement in Hospital Has no Therapeutic Benefit for People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People'. The report's commendable analysis of the problems and identification of the areas where practice should be improved is unfortunately not matched by many of its recommendations, which appear to be contrary to evidence-based approaches. The concerns are wide-ranging, from the use of the term 'solitary confinement' for current long-Term segregation (LTS) and seclusion, to presumption that all LTS and seclusion is bad, to holding clinicians (mainly psychiatrists) responsible for events beyond their locus of control. Importantly, there is a no guidance on how to practically deliver the recommendations in an evidence-based manner. This Feature critically appraises the report, to provide a comprehensive summary outlining potential positive impacts, identifying specific concerns and reflecting on best practice going forward.

Publication Date

2024-12-04

Publication Title

British Journal of Psychiatry

ISSN

0007-1250

Acceptance Date

2024-09-25

Deposit Date

2024-12-05

Embargo Period

2025-06-04

Keywords

Autism, Human rights, In-patient treatment, Intellectual disability, Neurodevelopmental disorders

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