Curriculum on Restraint
Reduction Available
SAMHSA recently released a new training
curriculum to give mental health providers the latest
information on prevention strategies and alternative
approaches to avoid and reduce the use of seclusion and
restraint.
 The
training curriculum, Roadmap to Seclusion and Restraint Free Mental Health
Services for Persons of All Ages, is organized
in seven modules and emphasizes the importance of creating
cultural change within organizations to effect reduction
in seclusion and restraint practices.
Specifically, the document outlines best practices in
the use of trauma-informed care and other aspects to
support resiliency and recovery of people with mental
illnesses while avoiding seclusion and restraint practices
that can harm rather than help.
Curriculum modules discuss specific strategies including
self-care approaches, peer-provided services, arts programs,
comfort rooms, and other approaches designed to enhance
service environments and consumer participation as means
to avoid the use of restraint and seclusion.
In addition, a range of other approaches are described,
including advance directives, mediation, and communication
approaches. Each represents a potential tool for providers
to ensure consumer safety. Techniques for sustaining
reduction efforts via consumer and staff involvement
as well as a listing of resources are included.
The curriculum employs a unique consumer-driven approach
that was successfully pilot-tested prior to publication.
Available in CD-ROM format, the curriculum provides
complete lesson plans and handouts for each training
module. Online, the curriculum is available from SAMHSA's
National Mental Health Information Center at www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/
publications/allpubs/sma06-4055. To order a CD-ROM, call the Center at 1 (800) 789-2647. 
« See Also—Previous Article
See Also—Next
Article »
Back to Top
|
