The experience of restraint-use among patients with violent behaviors in mental health hospital

Abstract

Patients with violent behavior can harm themselves, others and environment. It can be an indicator for mental health hospital admission. Violent behaviors can be characterized by verbal and physical attacks demonstrated by the individuals intensively. Management of violent behaviors in hospital often uses restraint, but it has physical and psychological effects. This study aimed to explore experience of restraint use among patients with violent behaviors in mental health hospital. To gain deep understanding related to the patients' experiences, this study used a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was employed to find patients who were restrained during their hospitalization. The number of participants in this study was 8 participants. The data were analyzed with Colaizzi's method. Patients with violent behavior, specifically with physical restraint during their hospital-ization had negative impacts on patients. The results of this study were described in three themes: 1) aggressive behavior as one of the main reason of restraint; 2) professional healthcare supports during the restraint use, and 3) physical and psychosocial impact of the restraint use. The impact of restraint is related to human right violations and ethical dilemma. The process of decision-making for employing restraint, especially in relation to violent behavior management, requires a consideration of the rights of the patient. Every individual has the right of self-determination, liberty, security and physical integrity.