Experts say restraining and secluding mental health patients should be phased out in Australia. Source: AAP
RESTRAINING and secluding mental health patients should be phased out in Australia, experts say.
THEY are calling on health ministers to act on their 2005 commitment to reduce and, where possible, eliminate the practices.
Seclusion is when someone is isolated and confined in a specific room, which they can’t leave. Restraint is when their movements are restricted by the use of straps, belts or sedation. The National Mental Health Commission on Friday called for a nationally consistent approach to reporting on and reducing the practices. “There is a lack of evidence internationally to support seclusion and restraint in mental health services,” said commissioner Jackie Crowe. “There is strong agreement that it is a human rights issue, that it has no therapeutic value, that it has resulted in emotional and physical harm, and that it can be a sign of a system under stress.” She said all Australians had a right to safe and effective care, and to work in a safe and supportive environment. “While considerable work is under way around Australia to understand and address the factors that lead towards seclusion and restraint, and to monitor its use, we believe that much more can and must be done.” That included coming up with national standards, ways of measuring and monitoring the use of the practices, and a reporting framework ensuring public accountability.