A restraint reduction program in a local old age home

Abstract

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether a staff educational program and the establishment of a restraint review committee would be effective in reducing restraint use in a private old age home (Home). A single group quasi-experimental design was adopted. An in-service education program on the use of restraints and restraint alternatives was provided to nurses and other unregulated health workers. The Restraint Review Committee (RRC) comprised the Home's manager and physiotherapist, three unit leaders/ nurses, and members of the research team. They met weekly to develop a restraint reduction policy and to review each resident who needed restraints. Of 106 residents, 90 subjects were recruited into the study. Thirteen residents in the sample had restraints used on them. This number was not reduced in the post-intervention period, however the form of restraint and its duration were reduced in some cases. Both the statistical findings and RRC observations demonstrated that the use of physical restraints was not widespread in the Home and that its use had been, for the most part, appropriate. Contrary to what is commonly found in the literature, the status of being a faller in the Home did not render the resident more likely to be restrained. Findings also highlighted the importance of family involvement in restraint reduction.