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Reducing the use of restrictive practices by applying a human rights-based approach

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
restrictive practices

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In 2021 the Welsh Government launched a new framework for reducing the use of restrictive practices in childcare, education, health and social care settings. A series of reports and guidelines have stressed the importance of ensuring that restrictive practices, if used at all, respect people’s human rights. Human rights that are particularly relevant in this context include the right to not be subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment, the right to have one’s autonomy and physical and psychological integrity respected, and the right to not be discriminated against in the application of the Human Rights Act 1998. This article explores how applying a human rights-based approach can support learning disability nurses to consider the legal and ethical aspects of restrictive practices, use a person-centred approach that respects service users’ dignity and autonomy, and recognise their role in reducing the use of restrictive practices.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to enhance your understanding of the need to reduce the use of restrictive practices

to increase your knowledge of applying a human rights-based approach to the use of restrictive practices

to contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

Authors

James Ridley

Senior lecturer (learning disabilities) - Faculty of Health, Social Care & Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England

Paula Hopes

Head of learning disability nursing - Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, Wales

Acknowledgements

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023