Discussion surrounding the use of physical restraints in long-term care facilities and home care is still relevant in Canada as reports suggest a physical restraint use prevalence of 13.2% nationwide (Freeman, Spirgiene, Martin-Khan, & Hirdes, 2017). Despite available evidence indicating that physical restraints use does not decrease the incidence of falls, the most commonly cited reason for such interventions is to prevent injuries from falls (Möhler & Meyer, 2014; Shanahan, 2012). Accordingly, it is appropriate to further explore nurses’ rationale and experiences towards this issue to develop recommendations for best practice. Physical restraints are defined as anything that may create a physical barrier with the intention to control or prevent
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De Casterlé et al. (2015), and Goethals et al. (2013) did not explicitly disclose their definition of physical restraints in their studies.
Conclusion
Upon critically analyzing the most current literature available on physical restraining in older adults, and while taking into consideration the many study limitations encountered, it is possible to speculate that, (1) physical restraint use negatively affects elderly individuals’ physical and psychological well-being, and (2) although most nurses experience negative feelings about utilizing physical restraints, they often perceive physical restraints use as necessary to safeguard the elderly patients’ physical well-being.
Recommendations and Implications for Practice
The persistent use of physical restraints in geriatric care and long-term care facilities indicates the need for educational interventions for pertinent health care professionals, including the nursing staff. Nurses should be educated on the appropriate techniques to applying and removing physical restraint devices and materials, when physical restraint is indicated.
De Casterlé et al. (2015), and Goethals et al. (2013) did not explicitly disclose their definition of physical restraints in their studies.
Conclusion
Upon critically analyzing the most current literature available on physical restraining in older adults, and while taking into consideration the many study limitations encountered, it is possible to speculate that, (1) physical restraint use negatively affects elderly individuals’ physical and psychological well-being, and (2) although most nurses experience negative feelings about utilizing physical restraints, they often perceive physical restraints use as necessary to safeguard the elderly patients’ physical well-being.
Recommendations and Implications for Practice
The persistent use of physical restraints in geriatric care and long-term care facilities indicates the need for educational interventions for pertinent health care professionals, including the nursing staff. Nurses should be educated on the appropriate techniques to applying and removing physical restraint devices and materials, when physical restraint is indicated.