Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Using Physical Restraints in Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: With the fact that physical restraints is widely used in intensive care units, further studies are needed to set a baseline for evidence-based practice and to develop regulations. Aim: To examine Jordanian ICU nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physical restraints. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was applied using online survey. A convenience sample of 145 nurses filled out the questionnaire who were registered nurses with at least one year of experience in ICU. In addition to demographic data sheet, they completed a 3-domain questionnaire; levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding using physical restraints. Results: Participants’ scored relatively low on knowledge (M= 3.3/11, SD= 1.8), moderate on attitudes (M= 29.4/48, SD= 3.8), and moderate on practices regarding physical restraint (M=23.2/42, SD= 7). Results revealed that participants’ practice of physical restraint had a positive correlation with both their knowledge and attitudes. Many significant differences were noticed based on participants’ characteristics. Conclusion: Local guidelines should be legislated to regulate nurses’ and other care providers’ PR practices to maintain patient safety and avoid legal consequences. Also, educational programs are needed to promote nurses’ knowledge and attitudes and compliance toward the acceptable guidelines regarding PR.