The effects of continuing education in restraint reduction on novice nurses in intensive care units

A decrease in the use of physical restraints in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is an important indicator of quality of nursing care. This quasi-experimental study examined the effect on nurses of a session of continuing education aimed at reducing the use of restraints. At a medical center in southern Taiwan, 37 novice nurses were surveyed about their knowledge, perception, attitude and clinical practice of restraint use in 11 ICUs. Two instructors then taught a four-hour continuing education class on patient restraint standards, principles for reducing physical restraint use, and alternatives to restraining. Data were analyzed by paired t-test and the results of identical structured questionnaires which participants received before and after the lecture, showed that, afterwards, knowledge (t = -6.04, p <.01), perception (t = 4.76, p <.01), and attitude (t = 3.93, p <.01) toward restraint use had significantly improved. The continuing education improved the nurses ' knowledge and attitude toward restraint use and may therefore enhance the quality of care provided to ICU patients.