Simulation Education to Improve Confidence Levels in Using Alternative Methods of Restraint with Children on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Summary Seclusion and restraints, while sometimes necessary for patient and staff safety, can result in negative outcomes, including physical and psychological harm to patients. This doctoral project addressed the critical issue of improving inpatient nurses’ confidence in applying alternative methods to seclusion and restraints. These alternatives are essential in psychiatric and acute care settings to promote patient safety, reduce the use of coercive interventions, and support a more humane approach to patient care. The practice problem identified was a notable lack of confidence and knowledge among inpatient nurses regarding using these alternative methods, which led to overreliance on seclusion and restraints. The purpose of the project was to plan, deliver, and evaluate an educational program on nurses’ ability and willingness to implement these alternative methods. Twenty nurses attended the 2-hour program. Pre-tests and post-tests were used to measure changes in confidence levels, with results indicating a significant improvement—from 50% confidence before the intervention to 85% afterward. These findings highlight the importance of continuous education in promoting a confident, competent nursing workforce equipped to handle challenging patient behaviors without resorting to restrictive measures. The recommendations from this project emphasized ongoing training and support to maintain and further enhance nurse confidence and competence. This initiative has the potential to positively impact nursing practice by improving patient care, reducing the use of seclusion and restraints, and ultimately contributing to diversity, equity, inclusion, and better patient outcomes.