3.3 Impacts of Restrictive Practice

3.3 Impacts of Restrictive Practice

Course: NVQ Level 5 Diploma In Leadership & Management for Adult Care

Unit 8: Safeguarding, protection and risk

LO3: Understand restrictive practice and potential impact

Restrictive practices, including restraint and limiting decision-making, are sometimes used in care settings as a last resort to manage immediate risk. However, they have the potential to cause significant physical, psychological, and relational effects for service users, staff, and families.

For service use, the effects can be harmful. Physical restraint can lead to cuts, bruises, or, in the worst cases, serious injuries if applied incorrectly. On the psychological level, restrictions frequently result in distress, fear, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some individuals might feel dehumanised, or they might lose their sense of dignity and self-worth. If the individual has experienced trauma in the past, the use of a restrictive practice can act as a re-traumatising experience, compounding their mental health difficulties and experiences. Overall, the effect of restrictive practices can lead to decreased independence, impaired recovery, and lower quality of life.

For staff members, applying restrictions can be stressful and emotionally taxing. Workers could experience feelings of guilt, anxiety, or a loss of confidence in their professional identity. Even with proper training, supervision, and emotional support, staff can misuse practices or become emotionally exhausted and feel disempowered, which runs the risk of ruining relationships with service users and morale.

Restrictive practices can cause distress for families and carers. The removal of families from decision-making processes can create feelings of exclusion, distrust, and worry about the care of their loved one. This can damage the relationship between families and care providers. 

To mitigate these impacts, restrictive practices must be enacted in proportion to the circumstances, for as short a time as is necessary, and in compliance with legislation and safeguarding policies. Staff should be trained to use restrictive practices appropriately and sensitively, maintaining respect for the individual and the dignity and rights of the person being supported.

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