title: The use of mechanical restraint in mental health: a catalyst for change?
abstract: The Care Quality Commission recently acknowledged the use of mechanical restraint/s as an intervention for the management of self-harm. I implemented the use of mechanical restraint for a female patient in life-threatening circumstances. This involved an exploration of the defining characteristics as well as the history and ethics of mechanical restraint. Informed consent and examining the legal, ethical and organizational frameworks supporting the use of this intervention in the clinical setting were critical to implementation. Ultimately the outcome not only proved to be life saving, but also a 'catalyst for change'.
authors.affiliation: Brook House, Manchester, UK. peter.carr@live.co.uk
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Carr
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control