Reducing the use of physical restraints in long-term care facilities

1. There has been increasing recognition of the role of education as a catalyst for changing restraint use practices and policies of long-term care facilities in Canada and other Western countries. 2. Findings of this longitudinal study documented the positive outcome of a structured restraint education program in reducing the use of physical restraints and promoting non-restrictive alternatives. 3. With continuing education and inservice programs, restraint-free elderly care can be attained in a cost-effective manner and without an increase in resident falls and injuries.