Are paediatric oncology nurses acknowledging the effects of restraint? A review of the current policy and research

Hull, Ken; Clarke, Dave

Abstract

Purpose: The literature pertaining to restraint of children for procedures and administration of medication continues to indicate this is a widespread phenomenon and that nurses caring for children often fail to consider effects of this. This paper reviews the current literature and policy surrounding the practice of paediatric restraint within oncology nursing. Method: A review of research and policy identified three significant themes relating to restraint: effects of restraint on the family, professional considerations; ethical and legal implications. Results: This paper through an analysis of the literature and policy demonstrates that paediatric restraint is a contentious issue in children's oncology nursing and that while essential in many cases, requires careful consideration. Alternatives to restraint should always be considered to minimise the effect upon child and family. Conclusions: A number of key issues are highlighted in this paper which would be useful. Most importantly the notion of children's rights, negotiation and partnership with children and their families and the nurses responsibility in relation to the law and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Professional bodies such as the Royal College of Nursing have attempted to offer guidance in this area; the key message is that restraint should always be the last option; it is our opinion that often it is the first. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Mar 23, 2011
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2011
• Deposit Date: Jun 16, 2020
• Journal: European Journal of Oncology Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1462-3889
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 513-518
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2011.02.001
• Keywords: Oncology (nursing); General medicine; Children’s oncology; Restraint; Clinical holding; Procedures policy; Rights; Negotiation
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6025382