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Uses of and alternatives to restraints in pediatric settings
Insights
Pediatric nursing often uses restraints without evidence. This review explores restraint use, effects on children, and alternatives to improve inpatient care for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Child Health Care
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Restraint use in pediatric nursing lacks empirical support.
- Current practices may negatively impact children's well-being.
- There is a need to evaluate existing restraint protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide background on pediatric restraint use.
- To examine the impact of restraints on children.
- To identify and discuss alternative interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on pediatric restraints.
- Analysis of the effects of physical and chemical restraints.
- Exploration of non-pharmacological and non-physical alternatives.
Main Results:
- Limited empirical evidence supports current pediatric restraint practices.
- Restraints can cause psychological distress and physical harm to children.
- Several alternatives to restraints have been identified in the literature.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric nursing requires evidence-based guidelines for restraint use.
- Implementing identified alternatives can enhance child safety and care.
- Further research is needed to establish best practices for minimizing restraint use.
Abstract:
Restraints are a common component of pediatric nursing practice that currently have no empirical base. This article provides background information concerning the use of restraints with the pediatric population, the impact these devices have on children, and the possible alternatives that have been identified. It is hoped that by providing acute care nurses with recommendations concerning changes in this area of practice, the care that children receive in the inpatient setting may be improved.