Hi
We are trying to get the staff to understand this and develop therapeutic alliances with the patients.. some are better at it than others.
We have done inservices and presented this in our annual competencies.
Mostly we got information off the web and from our local Dept of Mental Health.
Although not a new concept, expecting staff to follow it is relatively new and we have not as yet seen any change in restraints...
We did implement groups in the evening during visiting hours and have seen restraints drop dramatically for that time period.
A work in progress - (I always worry when staff DON'T seem open to this concept.. it's all about treating the patients with respect and sensitivity.. I guess I worry more about the staff who THINK they're doing this and aren't !
Cornelia
C. Walsh
Melrose-Wakefield Hospital
Melrose, MA