Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Restraints in Inpatient Wards at Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust 2020- 2023

Abstract

Aims

This QI was designed in collaboration with Trust's PMVA team to reduce the prevalence of physical restraints across inpatient wards by utilising model of improvement and measuring changes by studying number of restraints every six monthly. Secondary outcome considered were improvisation of recording of restraints, appropriate use of de-escalation measures and improvement in care planning surrounding the use of restraints.

Methods

The baseline audit was carried out to measure the prevalence of restraints and evaluate the practise of restraints in inpatient units during April to June 2020. The audit highlighted although there was 100% compliance in documentation of type and outcome of restraints , there were about 20 to 30 % restraints which did not utilise de-escalation measures, post incident debriefing and reflection within MDT. Only 12% of the restraints involved patients in post incident reflection. Using improvement model Plan- Do- Study- Act, following action plan was devised in 2021- 2022

1. 1. To improve education and training of inpatient staff in management of crisis behaviour through de-escalation strategies via PMVA training and sharing good practise/ gaps via MDT processes.

2. 2. To perform root cause analysis via quantitative and qualitative research to understand the clinical and demographic factors that influence restrictive practice.

Results

There has been downward trend or reduction of restraints by 10 to 30% in eleven wards across the trust from 2020 to 2022 and there has been reduction of violent incidents that resulted in restraints by 30% and self harm incidents that resulted in restraints has reduced in average by 10 to 30%.

In parallel there has been 30% improvement in the use of de-escalation measures, PRN medications and use of safety pods.

Re-audit was conducted during April to June 2022 concluded improvement in compliance of post incident debriefing and reflection, and involvement of patients for post incident reflection has increased by 60 % . The use of care -planning, and de-escalation strategies has improved by 10 to 15%.

Conclusion

The project has shown that improvement of training standards, holding monthly restrictive practise hub meetings sharing knowledge and reflection of ongoing practise relating to restraints in inpatient wards and monitoring of practise via continuous staff feedback has reduced the prevalence of restraints by 10 to 30% and improvement in secondary outcome measures as outlined.