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A restraint is any physical or chemical measure in the healthcare setting to keep a patient from

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A restraint is any physical or chemical measure in the healthcare setting to keep a patient from being free to move (Craven, Hirnle & Jensen, 2013). Nurses are presented with dilemmas in deciding whether to use restraints to protect the patient from falls, harming themselves or others, suppress agitation and to facilitate treatment. Improper usage and misconceptions of restraining can have negative consequences including physical and psychological issues. Physical and psychological disadvantages from restraining could include low blood pressure, decreased circulation, thrombosis, constipation, urinary incontinence, depression, fear and increased confusion (Yeh et al., 2004). Educating nurses may reduce restraint usage by increasing …show more content…

Gulpers et al. (2013) research study titled Reduction of Belt Restraint Use: Long-Term Effects of the EXBELT Intervention showed significantly reduced restraining belt usage and use of other physical restraints over the course of 24 months after an EXBELT intervention program of 13 nursing homes in the Netherlands. The intervention included a policy change in the nursing homes disallowing new use of restraining belts and reducing existing use of restraining belts, and a thorough educational program from two nurse specialists including consultation and availability of alternative interventions. Policy change and availability of alternative interventions had the greatest impact on reducing physical restraining in this study. The educational component alone was inadequate in reducing physical restraining. Huang, Chuang and Chiang (2009) research study titled Nurses’ Physical Restraint Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices: The Effectiveness of an In-Service Education Program showed a significant reduction in restraints of the intervention group at a hospital in southern Taiwan. The program included a 90-minute educational program aimed at reducing physical restraints by improving nurses’ knowledge of proper usage, attitudes and practices to an intervention group. No education was provided to the control group. The education program did change nurses’ knowledge and practice, but did not significantly change attitudes

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