Nurses trained to cope with imminent violence suffer fewer injuries, although the number of incidents may not decrease. Mechanical restraints should not be used. Training for restraint Training can help to prevent injury to staff and patients. As far as possible in the circumstances, the reasons for restraint should be explained to the patient and the likely outcome specified. The explanation should be repeated later.
Many acute wards cope with violent behaviour without a specially designed seclusion room.
The use of seclusion can be justified only as a last resort when all other methods have failed, and then for the shortest period possible. As far as feasible in the circumstances, the reasons for seclusion should be explained to the patient and the likely outcome specified. The explanation should be repeated later. Service users generally dislike seclusion, even when it is carried out properly, but some accept that it can be necessary and that it need not affect the outcome of treatment. 2f Policy issues relating to restraint and seclusion The views of professionals and service users must be taken into account when drafting local protocols on the circumstances under which it is acceptable to use restraint and seclusion and on the methods of doing so most humanely.