title: Implementation of a restraint policy: a case study.
abstract: A no-restraint policy was implemented for 50 elderly residents of a small nursing home to determine if decreasing the use of restraints would increase falls. The decision not to restrain posed a conflict between protection of the patient and staff beliefs. The results of the study seem to contradict popularly held beliefs concerning restraining the institutionalized elderly to decrease falls. During the 2-year period, only two patients sustained minor abrasions due to falls, and one patient experienced a fractured hip.
authors.affiliation: VA Outpatient Clinic, Oakland Park, FL 33334.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Clavon
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects