Knowledge, Perception, Attitude And Factors Affecting Nursing Practice Toward Use Of Physical Restraints Among Clinical Nurses

Abstract

Background: Physical restraint is a common practice in the intensive care units which often result in frequent skin laceration at restraint site, limb edema, restricted circulation, and worsening of agitation that may even end in death. Despite the sensitivity of the problem, however, it is felt that there are nurses’ evidence-based practice gaps. To emphasize the importance of this subject, relevant evidence is required to develop protocols and to raise evidence-based practices of health professionals. This study was aimed: To identify perception, knowledge, attitude and nursing practice toward use of physical restraints among clinical nurses. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional design was utilized in the present study. The study participants were 180 nurses from general hospitals located in KSA from January to May 2022. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires regarding perception, attitude, knowled[1]ge, and nursing practice on application of physical restraints and analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. Results: There were significant negative relationships attitudes towards the use of physical restraints with knowledge (r = -.32, p < .001). Knowledge showed a positive correlation with nursing practice (r = .28, p < .001). Factors affecting nursing practice of clinical nurses were identified as knowledge (β = .23), education experiences on physical restraints (Yes) (β = .18), and work unit (ICU) (β = .43). The explanation power of this regression model was 22% and it was statistically significant (F = 7.45, p < .001). Conclusion This study suggests that knowledge, education experiences on physical restraints, and work unit were the strongest predictor on nursing practice toward use of patient physical restraints. Therefore, developing and applying evidence-based educational intervention programs by work unit to reduce the inappropriate use of physical restraints in hospitals are required.