Reducing Restraints in Mental Health: Implementing Safeward & Sensory Modulation

Name: [Your Name] | Student ID: [Your ID]

Problem/Situation

In the past 12 months, the Adult Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit recorded 118 restraint incidents (56.7% male, 43.3% female), primarily affecting patients aged 20–49 (79%). Key concerns:

• Restraint Types: Full personal (37), partial (34), seclusion (18), locked doors (29).
• Reasons: Harm to others (49), self-harm (32), treatment facilitation (20).
• Gaps in De-escalation: Only 11.7% had restraint-minimisation plans; interventions like sensory modulation (0%), cultural support (0%), and family involvement (0%) were underutilized.

SMART Goal

“Reduce physical restraints by 30% in 6 months by implementing Safeward principles (e.g., clear mutual expectations, calming strategies) and sensory modulation tools (weighted blankets, dim lighting), supported by staff training and patient feedback.”

Situational Analysis (SWOT)

Key Data Snapshot

![Pie chart: Restraint Types – Full personal (31%), Partial (29%), Seclusion (15%), Locked doors (25%)]
Top Missing Interventions:

• Sensory modulation (0%)
• Cultural support (0%)
• Family involvement (0%)

Reflection & Next Steps

Findings: Restraints are overused due to reliance on reactive measures (security presence: 16.3%) vs. proactive strategies (sensory tools: 0%).
Learnings: Safeward principles and sensory modulation can address root causes (e.g., distress, overstimulation).
Action Plan:

1. Train staff on Safeward (e.g., “Clear Mutual Expectations” policy).
2. Pilot sensory tools in high-risk periods.
3. Audit restraint incidents monthly.

Opposing Forces: Staff inertia, budget constraints.
Supportive Forces: Evidence from Safeward trials (60% restraint reduction in similar units).

Visuals to Include:

• Bar graph: “Reasons for Restraint” (harm to others, self-harm, etc.).
• Icons: Safeward principles (e.g., teamwork, calm space).

Formatting Notes:

• Headings: Bold, large font.
• White Space: Balance text with visuals.
• Font: Arial 11pt for body, 14pt for headings.