Quality Improvement Project Eliminates Physical Restraint Use in Psychiatric ED
A reduction in the use of physical restraints was observed after implementing an evidence-based intervention program.
The use of physical restraints in psychiatric emergency departments can cause injury, psychological harm, and even death, affecting the nurse-patient relationship and reducing patient compliance with treatment.
The need for physical restraints can essentially be eliminated with the use of evidence-based interventions.
According to a study presented at the American Psychiatric Nurses Association 39th annual conference (APNA 2025), a quality improvement project aimed to reduce restraint use episodes and time in restraints by 15% by January 2025.
Jacquelin Morris, DNP, RN-BC, and Kimberly Rodgers, DNP, RN-BC, from Stony Brook Medicine, presented the results of this project, which was implemented at their comprehensive psychiatric emergency department (CPEP).
Author's summary: Evidence-based interventions can eliminate physical restraint use.