Strategies to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint with Maori

This study explored Māori clinical, cultural and consumer perspectives on potential strategies and initiatives considered likely to facilitate reduction in the use of seclusion and restraint with tāngata whai i te ora in acute mental health inpatient services.

This report is based on qualitative analyses of a hui with 16 participants who collectively held a high level of clinical, cultural and consumer expertise. The specific aims of the study were to examine, from a Māori perspective, current strategies used to reduce the use of seclusion or restraint with tāngata whai i te ora; specific cultural strategies and initiatives that may assist with reducing the use of seclusion and restraint; and to make recommendations for practice to reduce seclusion and restraint of tāngata whai i te ora that could potentially be trialled and evaluated within acute inpatient services.

Existing evidence for best practice to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint has been framed within Six Core Strategies (Huckshorn, 2006). The findings of this study align with these strategies. The recommendations represent a comprehensive approach to the reduction of the use of restraint and seclusion with tāngata whai i te ora, which is clearly based on a kaupapa Māori model of care and a vision for transformation of practice in mental health inpatient services.

A summary report with recommendations for services and leaders has also been developed. View it here.

Story of good practice

Tairawhiti District Health Board (DHB) have seen a dramatic reduction in seclusion and restraint events with Maori and all people using services. Read more about their journey here.