Nursing perceptions of using physical restraints on hospitalized children.

PURPOSE

To describe the perceptions of pediatric nurses about restraint use in children.

METHOD

A descriptive survey using a questionnaire collected data from nurses working in four types of pediatric facilities. Nurses were asked to rate reasons for using restraints and alternatives to restraints on a Likert Scale. Analysis of variance analyzed the nurses' responses according to type of institution and age of the child. An open-ended question asked nurses to list reasons for using restraints.

RESULTS

Responses were collected from 60 nurses. There were significant differences in responses according to age of the child and according to the type of hospital. There were no interaction effects. The perceived need for restraints was highest between 1 and 6 years of age. Reasons for using restraints differed among types of facility.

CONCLUSIONS

Restraint policies may need to vary according to the type of institution. Intervention and outcome studies are needed regarding the use of physical restraints in children.