Christoph Sulyok1, Petra Weiland-Fiedler2, Sarah Schwehla2, Vera Pfersmann2. 1. 3. Psychiatrische Abteilung Tagesklinik 19/3, Otto Wagner Spital, Baumgartner Höhe 1, 1145, Wien, Österreich. christoph.sulyok@gmx.net. 2. 3. Psychiatrische Abteilung Tagesklinik 19/3, Otto Wagner Spital, Baumgartner Höhe 1, 1145, Wien, Österreich.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Since June 1st, 2014 the use of cage beds, a physical coercive measure in psychiatric wards, is forbidden by Austrian law. The 3rd Psychiatric Department at the Otto Wagner Hospital in Vienna carried out a pilot-study prior to the application of this law and compared 6 months with and 6 months without the use of cage beds in psychiatric acute treatment. The investigation focused on the use of mechanical restraints, especially of 4-point-restraints at admission time. METHODS: The study collected clinical and epidemiological data from the patients and analyzed interviews taken with patients and staff-members after the use of coercive measures. RESULTS: The prohibition of cage beds was associated with a relative increase of the use of 4-point-restraints. Time spent in 4-point-restraints is less than time spent in the cage beds. A trend could also be observed by a decrease of time spent in 4-point-restraints. Data from the interviews showed that there was no preference by patients of either kind of physical restraint. They strongly urged for more personal talks and non-physical and non-pharmacological therapies during admission. CONCLUSIONS: Team members required more human resources for the treatment of these acute psychiatric patients.
BACKGROUND: Since June 1st, 2014 the use of cage beds, a physical coercive measure in psychiatric wards, is forbidden by Austrian law. The 3rd Psychiatric Department at the Otto Wagner Hospital in Vienna carried out a pilot-study prior to the application of this law and compared 6 months with and 6 months without the use of cage beds in psychiatric acute treatment. The investigation focused on the use of mechanical restraints, especially of 4-point-restraints at admission time. METHODS: The study collected clinical and epidemiological data from the patients and analyzed interviews taken with patients and staff-members after the use of coercive measures. RESULTS: The prohibition of cage beds was associated with a relative increase of the use of 4-point-restraints. Time spent in 4-point-restraints is less than time spent in the cage beds. A trend could also be observed by a decrease of time spent in 4-point-restraints. Data from the interviews showed that there was no preference by patients of either kind of physical restraint. They strongly urged for more personal talks and non-physical and non-pharmacological therapies during admission. CONCLUSIONS: Team members required more human resources for the treatment of these acute psychiatricpatients.
Authors: Carina Armgart; Markus Schaub; Knut Hoffmann; Franciska Illes; Barbara Emons; Jasmin Jendreyschak; Anja Schramm; Stefan Richter; Josef J Lessmann; Georg Juckel; Ida S Haußleiter Journal: Psychiatr Prax Date: 2013-04-30