Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Physical Restraint: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The use of physical restraints (PR) in healthcare settings, especially in psychiatric units, is a controversial topic. The attitude, knowledge, and practices of nurses towards PR can influence its application, which raises concerns about the balance between patient safety and individual rights. With mental disorders being a leading cause of disability globally, understanding the complexities surrounding PR use becomes paramount. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, The Cochrane Library, the Saudi Digital Library, and Google Scholar. The search spanned literature published up to December 2022, focusing on studies that explored the relationship between nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding PR in psychiatric settings. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to filter out relevant studies. From 220 records initially retrieved, 12 articles were identified for the final review. The reviewed studies highlighted a moderate knowledge and attitude among nurses concerning PR. Many nurses were found to be uncertain about the reasons for PR application and its alternatives. Educational interventions were emphasized in several studies as beneficial in improving nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. However, inconsistencies were observed regarding the impact of these interventions on nurses’ attitudes. Experience, higher education, and continuous training sessions were found to be correlated with better knowledge and more favourable attitudes towards PR. This review emphasizes the critical need for consistent training and education for nurses regarding PR, given the profound implications for patient care and safety. While educational interventions show promise in enhancing knowledge and practice, their impact on attitudes remains contested. Future research should consider the gaps identified in this review, including the exploration of alternatives to PR, larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies to understand the long-term effects of interventions.