There are several types of restraints, including physical and mechanical restraints.
● Physical (manual) restraint: holding or immobilising the patient using physical force.
● Mechanical restraint: use of any means, methods, materials or clothing preventing or limiting the ability to voluntarily move all or part of the body for purposes of safety for a patient whose behaviour presents a serious risk for their integrity or that of others.
Guiding principles for use of restraints
1. The safety and dignity of the patient must be ensured
2. The safety and well-being of staff is also a priority
3. Prevention of violence is key
4. De-escalation should always be tried before the use of restraint
5. Restraint is used for the minimum period
6. All actions undertaken by staff are appropriate and proportional to the patient’s behavior
7. Any restraint used must be the least restrictive, to ensure safety
8. The patient must be closely monitored, so that any deterioration in their physical condition is noted and managed promptly and appropriately. Mechanical-restraint requires 1:1observation
9. Only appropriately trained staff should undertake restrictive interventions, to ensure the safety of patients and staff.