Encouraging Alternatives to Seclusion, Restraint, and Reliance on PRN Drugs in a Public Psychiatric Hospital

Dennis C. Donat, Ph.D.
Full Article: http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/56/9/1105

* NOTE: These techniques may also be effective in a classroom/school setting

The reliance on seclusion or mechanical restraints to manage problem behavior contributes to negative opinions among consumers about the quality of inpatient care received (3,4) and to conflicts with advocates about the right to receive active rehabilitative treatment without unnecessarily restricting freedom of movement (5). For example, the unnecessary reliance on seclusion, restraint, and psychotropic PRN medication for behavior management has been a primary focus of human rights litigation generated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against state psychiatric inpatient facilities.

1. Assess behavioral competence
2. Improve behavioral competence
3. Create an environment that facilitates application of skills
4. Facilitate access to expert consultants
5. Maximize the impact through clear administrative support