Date of Graduation
Summer 8-2015
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
First Advisor
Dr. Elena Capella
Abstract
Restraints are among the top 15 most frequently reported sentinel events (Cosper et al., 2013). An improvement project was undertaken to reduce restraint use on a medical/surgical acute care unit within a 200 bed not-for-profit teaching hospital. The project aimed to reduce physical restraint use prevalence by 10%. After conducting a literature review and a microsystem assessment, Multidisciplinary Rounding (MDR) was identified as an evidence-based intervention to address physical restraint use. A reduction in restraint prevalence was noted from 2.4% to 1.6%. This equates to a 33% reduction in restraint prevalence. Other interventions implemented during the same time frame may have also contributed to the reduction in restraint use including increased availability of restraint alternatives, staff awareness of project, and restraint communication board. The author recommends use of MDR as a means to reduce physical restraint use, and recommends utilizing a team approach to reducing restraint use in combination with ensuring availability of restraint alternatives and bringing awareness to unit staff regarding misconceptions about the use of physical restraints.
Recommended Citation
Pearl, Francesca R., "Improving patient safety by decreasing restraint use" (2015). Master's Projects and Capstones. 166.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/166
