Physical restraints in acute hospitals: A quantitative observational study as a starting point for the further development of quality management

Physical restraints in acute hospitals: A quantitative observational study as a starting point for the further development of quality management Abstract. Background: Despite the known associated risks and adverse events, physical restraints are mostly observed in daily care practice of long-term care. Comparatively few studies are available for normal wards. Research question/aim: The explorative cross-sectional study investigated prevalences, types and reasons of physical restraints in nine selected normal wards of a maximum care hospital. Methods: The prevalences and types of physical restraints were collected in the early and late shift in summer 2020 via direct observation using standardised observation forms. The reasons for the use were recorded via a standardised survey of the nursing staff. Results: In the early shift, 15 out of 167 patients had physical restraints (9%), in the late shift 23 out of 191 (12%). People over 80 years were most affected (n = 8; 23.5% and n = 14, 25.9%). The highest prevalence was found in the clinic for neurogeriatrics with 21.4% (n = 3) and 37.5% (n = 6). Bedside restraints were used particularly frequently (n = 14; 93.3% and n = 22, 95.7%, resp.). The physical restraints were predominantly justified with the protection against fall injuries (n = 8, 53.3% and n = 15, 65.2%). Conclusions: Raising awareness among nursing staff through training and other accompanying measures are starting points for reducing physical restraints. In order to achieve sustainable changes, the management level should initiate appropriate measures and consistently accompany their implementation.