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Can we make restraint a last resort intervention in nursing homes of Ireland? An exploration of the knowledge, experience and attitudes of nursing home staff regarding the use of de-escalation.

Restraint such as bedrails and lap belts are still used in Irish nursing homes. This happens as a safety measure and genarally affects residents with poor mobility or dementia. There is evidence of many adverse complications regarding restraint use, for example injuries, pressure sores, psychological problems and even death.
In accordance with national policy, each nursing home in Ireland must strive to eliminate the use of restraint. This restraint free environment would be achieved by ensuring a safe, comfortable and relaxed setting, and through ensuring that staff are appropriately trained. For example, staff must receive in-service training in de-escalation to reduce the need for restraint. De-escalation is a technique to help someone who is behaving aggressively to calm down. This technique may include being soft, calm and gentle, interpreting the person body language, talking to the person or building ‘connection’ with the person.
The aim of this study is to explore the knowledge, experience and attitude of nursing home staff regarding the use of de-escalation. Additionally, this study will explore what are staff educational needs in de-escalation techniques. In effect, recommendations will be made to improve staff education relating de-escalation for managing aggression.