Improving accuracy in documentation of restrictive interventions by direct-care personnel.

Accurate and reliable documentation of rights restrictions is critical for evaluating a program's success against the intrusiveness of a behavioral intervention, complying with regulatory standards, and refining treatment strategies. Direct-care and ancillary staff in three cottages at a state facility for persons with mental retardation were selected to evaluate a revised documentation system, including a new form, inservice training for staff inservice, and staff feedback, that was implemented sequentially across cottages. Results showed an immediate and sustained reduction in documentation errors following the implementation of the documentation system. Benefits and limitations of the new system were discussed.