A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Perception and Knowledge of Staff Nurses regarding Physical Restrains

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions and knowledge regarding physical restraint used among registered nurses (RNs) and nursing assistants (NAs). Method and Sample: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A convenient sample was recruited from nursing staff from Palestinian and Saudi Hospitals. Perceptions of Restraint Use Questionnaire (PRUQ) were used [1]. Results: A total of 144 nursing staffs were included. Physical restraint use was perceived as more important in some circumstances than others. In the critical care unit/ICU, the most important perceived reason for physical restraint use was protecting from falling out of bed and preventing removing dressing. There were significant differences of overall score for the PRUQ among all nursing staff according to hospital, t (142) = 8.74, P = 0.001. The mean of Saudi Arabia hospitals group (M = 4.56) was higher than the mean of Palestinian hospital group (M = 3.67). At the same time, there were significant differences of overall score for the PRUQ among all nursing staff according to specialized education in geriatrics, t (40) = 3.60, P = 0.001. The mean of no specialized education in geriatrics group (M = 4.13) was higher than the mean of yes specialized education in geriatrics group (M = 3.69). Conclusion and Implications: Nursing staff showed positive attitudes towards restrains application with difference between Palestinian and Saudi Arabian nurses. Proper implementation and good awareness of the complications are prerequisite for application of physical restrains for patients.