Date of Submission
Spring 1-7-2023
Document Type
Manuscript
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Trinette Radasa
Second Advisor
Alexa Curtis
Abstract
Background: This paper reviews the literature on ways to decrease the use of restraints in hospitals – specifically the use of agitation assessments and verbal de-escalation to be implemented in healthcare facilities to decrease the number of restraints being used to manage undesirable patient behavior and workplace violence incidents. Problem: Restraints have been shown to impede the nurse-patient relationship and cause emotional and physical trauma to staff and patients. They are no longer considered preferred management and in some circumstances can be considered abuse. Intervention: Agitation assessments and verbal de-escalation have been shown to produce less aggressive behavior and decrease the time patients spend in restraints. By having a way in which agitation levels can be measured, the provider can intervene with the least invasive methods (i.e. verbal de-escalation) before the situation devolves into one needing more invasive (i.e. restraints) interventions. Conclusions: By implementing the use of agitation assessments and verbal de-escalation strategies, the literature has shown that restraint use can be decreased, and time spent in restraints can be decreased.
Recommended Citation
Paulo, Kiera, "Decreasing Restraint Use by Utilization of Agitation Assessment and Verbal De-escalation Strategies in an Inpatient Non-Psychiatric Hospital" (2023). DNP Qualifying Manuscripts. 79.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp_qualifying/79
