Physical restraint training for nurses in English and Welsh psychiatric intensive care and regional secure units

Background: The physical management of violence in psychiatric in-patient settings is of great concern and interest. However, there are no guidelines concerning training providers, course content, or course length, and little is known about injuries to staff during training. Aim: To investigate training in physical restraint in Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) and Regional Secure Units (RSUs) in England and Wales, with a view to comparing course content and length, and injuries in training across the training providers cited by respondents. Method: Questionnaires were completed by randomly selected PICU and RSU nursing staff on 63 participating wards (of a total of 112 such wards in England and Wales). Results: 338 nurses (47% response rate) replied. Training in a wide variety of techniques was reported, although in practice a core curriculum can be identified. Few respondents were able to state which provider conducted their initial training. The reported length of initial training courses and re...