20. Management of ED Patients Requiring Seclusion and Restraints

Abstract

Violent behavior that requires putting the patient in restraint and seclusion has resulted in both patient and staff injuries. The Hartford Courant in 1998 reported 142 patient deaths while in physical restraints or seclusion. In one study of violence in the emergency department, 43% reported physical attacks on staff at least once a month. Fifty-three percent of all hospital assaults occur in the emergency department. The goal of this project was to design a program for ED patients requiring seclusion and/or restraints that will ensure both patient and staff safety.