Nurse staffing levels must balance the quality of patient care with the provision of cost effective services. Because of the high acuity level of many nursing facility residents, the results are important for nursing facility administration as well. Adverse patient outcomes included medication errors, infections, skin breakdowns, complaints from patients and families, and death. Capezuti, Elizabeth, et al. The Relationship Between Physical Restraint Removal and Falls and Injuries Among Nursing Home Residents.
Nursing facilities continue to use restraints for two reasons.
First is the belief that removing restraints will lead to falls and fall-related injuries. Second is the perception that providers will be at risk for legal liability. Data collected continue to show that removing restraints does not lead to an increase in falls or subsequent injuries. The authors of this study analyzed data collected in a clinical trial designed to measure interventions aimed at restraint reduction. Falls and fall-related injuries were compared across the three nursing facilities participating in the study.