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What nursing staff members really know about physical restraints
Summary
Nursing staff demonstrate good knowledge of physical restraint use in long-term care. However, a significant majority incorrectly believe it
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing Practice
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Physical or mechanical restraints are increasingly less common in long-term care facilities.
- Correct application of restraints remains critical when their use is unavoidable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge level of nursing staff regarding the correct usage of physical restraints.
- To identify specific areas of misunderstanding in restraint application among nursing staff.
Main Methods:
- A convenience sample of 118 nursing staff from a county nursing home participated.
- Participants completed an 18-item knowledge questionnaire on restraint usage.
Main Results:
- Knowledge scores ranged from 6 to 17 (mean=13.2, SD=2.1) out of a possible 18.
- Overall staff knowledge was considered good, but specific concerns were noted.
- A majority (82.2%) incorrectly believed restraining a patient flat in bed was appropriate.
Conclusions:
- While general knowledge of restraint use is adequate, specific misconceptions exist.
- Targeted education is needed for nursing staff, particularly regarding patient positioning.
- Findings have implications for administrators and rehabilitation nurse clinicians to improve practice.