The nursing dilemma of restraints.

This study provides a data base for developing intervention strategies aimed at helping staff cope with concerns regarding restraints. Most respondents believe patients should be restrained for safety even if it means loss of dignity, and that a caring manner should be conveyed to restrained patients. A large percentage felt that family members did not have the right to refuse the use of restraints, but that they should have that right if they were patients, suggesting negative attitudes toward restraints, of which they are unaware. Personal and professional characteristics, such as knowledge about restraints, years in geriatrics, and experience with elderly family members, showed no significant relationship to attitudes.