Restraints: whose needs do they serve?
This study examined the use of mechanical restraints in a long-term care and rehabilitation hospital. A mechanical restraint was defined as any physical appliance that inhibited free physical movement. The survey was conducted using a chart and bedside audit, with a checklist questionnaire, sampling 15% of the total 600 inpatient population. Based on the findings, recommendations were developed in response to practice issues related to mechanically restraining geriatric patients. The study concluded that to develop and maintain a philosophy of 'least restraint necessary', a multidisciplinary team must be committed to this philosophy and develop mechanical restraint protocols.
Brockenshire
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