The Effects of an Action Plan, Staff Training, Management Support and Monitoring on Restraint Use and Costs of Work‐Related Injuries

Abstract

Background Dignity and respect are at the foundation of good care and effective treatment planning and are guiding service principles. The use of physical restraints is contrary to treatment with dignity and respect. Because of the numerous risks to clients and employees associated with the use of physical restraints, an innovative plan was implemented to minimize the use. Method Information was gathered to obtain a clear understanding of the employees’ feelings about the initiative to minimize physical restraint. Training was provided regarding philosophical issues as well as how to utilize a new tool/procedure to keep everyone safe during aggressive outbursts. Presence by the management team was increased to support employees and encourage newly trained techniques. Finally, a formal system of processing was put in place to learn from each restraint in order to prevent the situation in the future. Results The Winchester Region reduced the use of physical restraint by 99.4% and client‐induced employee injuries by 37.7%. Conclusions We drastically reduced physical restraints, staff injuries and created a safer place to work.

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