Title: Seclusion and Restraint Reduction in Texas:
1Seclusion and Restraint Reduction in Texas
2- There is now a standardized state-wide
initiative to reduce restraint use in state
schools.
3 We decreased the duration a consumer can be
in mechanical and personal restraints.
4- We successfully eliminated the use of
restraint boards.
5 We established a level of buy-in and
enthusiasm at the supervisory level.
6Our line officers efforts to implement change
is creating an organizational culture dedicated
to using safer practices.
7We have significantly revised our in-service
training curriculum to promote skills needed to
reduce S/R use.
- Our new training topics include
- Staff Emotional Response to Residents
- Adolescent Psychopathology
- Working with Individuals with Conduct
Disorder
8We formed a 15 member leadership team,
representing all levels of staff, to conduct
regular priority meetings and actively address
seclusion and restraint reduction.
9We experienced a 61 reduction in campus-wide
restraints.
- We reduced the number of seclusions on the
childrens unit by 66.
10To assist consumers with developing self-calming
skills, we created two new soothing rooms!
11We also created a relaxation station with a
beach theme so consumers can process their
feelings in a peaceful environment.
12We achieved a 50 reduction in our restraint
use.
13We increased the use of verbal de-escalation
tools.
14We increased staff awareness of S/R reduction.
15After a volunteer interior designer presented
recommendations on environmental changes we could
make to our facility, many exciting changes
occurred!
- Our bedrooms were painted!
- The lighting was changed to create a more
pleasing atmosphere! - A color scheme chart is now available in both
the admissions and nurses stations!
16We developed a cross-discipline shift report
that includes a debriefing tool.
17We increased staff communication during shifts
and even between separate shifts!
18We now have an executive team member on-call at
ALL TIMES to debrief S/R incidents with staff.
19 We created a student council that gives us
feedback on our facility operations.
- Weve also successfully implemented a system
to elicit input from family members.
20Our leadership team conducted a kick-off event
to initiate our seclusion and restraint reduction
campaign, which was attended by roughly 90 of
our staff.
- We ordered t-shirts that symbolize our interest
in reducing S/R use for each team member. - We featured educational activities, posters, and
videos. - We showcased a sensory room and presented
updated procedures, which demonstrates why we
want to change and where we are in the process.
21So that all employees can see our success as
they enter our campus, we display a poster with
the number of consecutive days we have gone
without using a restraint.
- As of the end of May, we have gone 56 days
without a reported restraint!
22For keeping the unit free from S/R use for 16
months, we honored our team members with a
facility-wide reception where we presented
individual awards!
23Our R/S Elimination Reduction Workgroup hosted a
one-day, facility-wide training session in which
all staff completed STARS III (Staff Training
About Restraint/Seclusion).
- At the training, we presented our R/S
Reduction Plan and a report of the number of
staff and consumer injuries resulting from R/S
use.
24We use a pulse oximeter during all restraints
and seclusions.
- This serves two purposes
- 1. It monitors oxygen stats, and
- 2. Sends a clear message to staff and
consumers that restraints and seclusions are
extremely dangerous.
25Our staff and therapists have created a safe,
nurturing environment that supports positive
behaviors and provides space for our kids to make
mistakes and process through their traumatic
histories without shame or self-deprecation.
26We have campus-wide buy-in to reduce, and
someday eliminate, the use of restraint. This
buy-in has reinforced our determination to reduce
restraints despite the everyday challenges of our
busy jobs.
27Our mid and upper management has bought-in to
the concept of reducing S/R use and openly
encourages our reduction plan.
28When comparing the first quarter of 2006 to the
first quarter of 2007, we saw a 60 reduction in
S/R use!
29 For our annual employee refresher training, we
significantly increased our emphasis on early
identification of escalating situations and the
use of verbal interventions.
30A former consumer and a master PMAB trainer have
been added to our Restraint and Seclusion Quality
Improvement Team (R/S QIT).
31The R/S QIT has developed and revised a
facility-wide plan to guide us in reducing and
striving to eliminate restraints and seclusions.
32Individual R/S events, as well as comprehensive
R/S statistics, are monitored by several
different groups in order to identify problematic
patterns and provide early interventions.
33In our new employee orientation and training
program, a consumer provides new employees with a
personal account of what it is like to be placed
in seclusion and restraints, as well as what
employees did for her to help prevent seclusion
and restraint incidents from happening.
34We implemented a new debriefing procedure which
includes an administrative staff member talking
with the nursing staff involved in every R/S
event.
- This has helped us focus more attention on
identifying early warning signs and on reducing
conflicts between staff and consumers.
35We added a Peer Support Department, which is
made up of 4 consumers, to provide support on
the unit and to run a drop-in center called the
Oasis.
- We plan to involve these individuals in the
debriefing process with consumers who witness R/S
events.
36Since September of 2006, we formed several
workgroups to investigate and implement
additional R/S reduction efforts.
37A facility-wide Trauma-Informed Care training
conducted in April 2007 provided education on
trauma and emphasized the need to significantly
reduce R/S use.
- Almost 600 employees attended, which is
approximately 96 of our direct-care staff.
38We identified several program rules and
schedules that are contributing to the conflict
between staff and consumers.
- Efforts are being made to introduce more
flexibility in order to reduce these conflicts
and power struggles which play a part in R/S.
39We are in the process of turning an area of each
unit into a calming room.
- The rooms have been painted and furniture was
just delivered!
40A behavioral response team will be implemented
this summer.
- A pager alert system has been ordered and
staff are being recruited to participate on
teams.
41Our superintendent gave public accolades to a
staff member who used her sensitivity and verbal
skills to diffuse a dangerous situation.
- He also used this occasion to remind staff
that we should always ask ourselves if there are
less restrictive, less dangerous, and more
therapeutic interventions that can be used. - He stressed that physical interventions
should only be used to prevent imminent physical
harm.
42We developed a team to improve the assessment of
incoming consumers for trauma histories. This
team is also developing a safety plan which will
identify and document the consumers preferred
interventions for crisis situations.
43We involved consumers in refurbishing our
rehabilitation and recreation areas so we can
provide constructive and enjoyable activities."
44Our executives review each S/R staff
debriefing.
45We are in the process of developing an
incentive program as a means to reduce power
struggles between staff and consumers.
46