24 July 2020
Working in residential aged care? Your views on physical and chemical restraints are needed to help inform a legislated review of their use, by Friday 14 August 2020.
Australian Healthcare Associates (AHA), on behalf of the Department of Health, is seeking the views of residential aged care management and staff (nursing and allied health staff and personal care workers) to inform a legislated review of the Restraints Principles (Part 4A of the
Quality of Care Principles 2014).
“We acknowledge there are times when there can appear to be no other options but to use restraints,’’ ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said. This is particularly the case when restraint can be as simple as a locked door or secure unit for people that may otherwise place themselves at risk of harm.
“The ANMF (SA Branch) advocates for ways we can ensure we are providing evidence-based high-quality care in the most appropriate person-centred way and in the right environment, so optimal outcomes can be achieved for the individual whilst protecting the health care professional,” Ms Dabars said.
The ANMF (SA Branch) supports the implementation of best-practice guideline alternative approaches to restraints. This includes appropriate education for staff and the increase in the workforce.
The
guideline can provide support for nurses in the use of restraints. Restraint should only be considered as a last resort, for the shortest duration of time if prevention, de-escalation and crisis management strategies have failed to keep the individual and/or others safe.
Participation in the survey is anonymous. You can find more information about the review and access the survey on the
AHA website:
• visit ahaconsulting.com.au/restraint
• call AHA on
1300 788 667 (9am-5pm AEST)
• email
[email protected]