Quality Improvement Project Eliminates Physical Restraint Use in Psychiatric ED
A reduction in physical restraint use was observed after implementing an evidence-based intervention program.
The use of physical restraints in psychiatric emergency departments can cause injury, psychological harm, and even death, affecting nurse-patient relationships and patient compliance with treatment.
The need for physical restraints can essentially be eliminated with evidence-based interventions.
Researchers Jacquelin Morris, DNP, RN-BC, and Kimberly Rodgers, DNP, RN-BC, from Stony Brook Medicine, presented a quality improvement project at the American Psychiatric Nurses Association 39th annual conference, aiming to reduce restraint use episodes and time by 15% by January 2025.
Author's summary: Evidence-based interventions reduce physical restraint use.