Abstract

MARQUES ANDRES, Susana. Mechanical restraints as experienced by nursing staff at a child and adolescent psychiatric unit. Index Enferm [online]. 2007, vol.16, n.58, pp.21-25. ISSN 1699-5988.

Introduction: The restraint is a technique widely used by nurses in hospitals under medical supervision. Its use in psychiatric units adolescent patients can result in emotionally conflictive. When referring to the restraint, it is necessary to explain motives, situations, professional expectations, type of patient and their specific problems. The minors who are admitted to a psychiatric unit in order to be mentally evaluated, experience great frustration, usually expressed through aggressive behaviour when they realise that they will have to spend a few days in hospital. Objectiv: To acknowledge the existence of the medical team of the psychiatric unit for children in Basurto Hospital (Bilbao), regarding the restrain for adolescents. Method: The phenomenology is the main theory which we focus on. The design is descriptive-interpretative, based on qualitative methodology. Results: The results of the study have been divided into three categories, which are in turn divided into its respective categories: (a) The restraint procedure = corporal sensations, thoughts and performances. (b) The questioning = individual assessment, the team’s observation, the view of its usage, the use of criteria. (c) The usage of the technique = the effects of the surroundings, the negative reinforcement, last alternative. There is a negative feeling surrounding the usage of the restraint; negative feelings due to unknown comments, and others as a result of the relevant cognitive assessment. Both of these have influenced the following decisions regarding the use of the technique. Conclusions: It is necessary to take into account all the criteria in order to work together as a team and to try and find the best method to use this technique.

Keywords : restraint; seclusion; behavioral disorders.