What is considered an inappropriate use of restraints?

The use of restraints in a healthcare setting is closely regulated and must adhere to ethical guidelines and best practices to ensure patient dignity and safety. An inappropriate use of restraints occurs when they are applied for reasons that do not prioritize patient well-being, such as for staff convenience or punishment.

When restraints are used solely to make it easier for staff to manage a patient or to discipline a patient, it undermines the fundamental principles of care that prioritize respect, autonomy, and support for recovery. This misuse can lead to physical and psychological harm, as it strips patients of their dignity and can contribute to feelings of isolation, anger, and trauma.

In contrast, using restraints to ensure patient safety, to prevent self-harm, or in cases of severe agitation may be justified when there are no less restrictive alternatives available, and these actions are taken with the intent of protecting the patient from harm or ensuring their safety and the safety of others.