Seclusion and restraint of children: a literature review.
OBJECTIVE
Nurses' attitudes toward the use of seclusion and restraint with children.


OBJECTIVE
To review recent literature concerning these controversial interventions, and to examine possible alternative therapeutic interventions.


METHODS
Selected published nursing and psychiatric literature 1987 to 1998.


CONCLUSIONS
Staff have a positive attitude toward the use of seclusion and restraint. A theory of power and control may explain their use when many alternative, less restrictive interventions are available.
Allen
J J
JJ
Behavioral Health Clinical Review Nurse, Monroe Plan for Medical Care, Rochester, NY, USA. jjallen@rochester.Rr.com
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012107:Research Design; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*