THE EFFECTS OF RESEARCH ON CLINICAL-PRACTICE - THE USE OF RESTRAINTS

The investigators have conducted a series of four descriptive, clinica l studies to examine the nature of restraint use in extended care and nursing home units in a veterans' facility. Based on the findings of t hree of these studies, staff education and policy changes were impleme nted with the intent of decreasing the use of restraints. The present and fourth study in the series examines whether the use of restraints decreased from 1990 to 1993, after policy changes and staff education were initiated. Findings indicate that the frequency of restraint use decreased by almost half, from 25% to 14%. In addition, falls did not increase, but those falling were less likely to be restrained. These f indings illustrate the importance of research in setting a course for positive change in clinical practice. Copyright (C) 1997 by W.B. Saund ers Company.