Seclusion and restraint: what we need to know

Abstract

Seclusion and restraint are controversial, restrictive interventions employed by psychiatric nurses in response to patient violence. While these interventions are used widely, relatively little is known about them. There is little support in the literature for the efficacy of seclusion and restraint. Although it seems impractical to suggest that seclusion and restraint be eliminated, many questions about these processes are unanswered. Nurses are in an ideal position to conduct studies related to patients' behavior and the use of seclusion and restraint. This article presents a review of the literature related to seclusion and restraint and suggests areas for future research.