“Least Use” of Restraints
Baycrest is committed to the philosophy of least restraint that recognizes the individual strengths of the client, the client’s right to freedom of movement, and the client’s right to choose risk-taking behaviours. It is the responsibility of professionals to provide care that is beneficial, not harmful. Restraints do not ensure safety and research suggests that they may actually be a cause of harm.
Our physical restraint policy indicates that a restraint should only to be used after appropriate alternatives have been tried and deemed unsuccessful. It is everyone’s duty to understand the risks of using restraints.
The need for restraints will be guided by a plan of treatment that has been assessed by the health care team and discussed with the client and/or the substitute decision–maker.
Informed consent must be obtained from the person (if the person is capable of consenting) prior to the use of any type of restraint except in emergency situations.
