I MEZZI DI CONTENZIONE FISICA NELLE STRUTTURE RESIDENZIALI PER ANZIANI: COMPITI E RESPONSABILITA ` DELL’EQUIPE TRANSDISCIPLINARE

Aim of the work is promoting an appropriate use of physical restraint in nursing homes. A bottom-up approach to the problem, with specific guidelines worked out at regional level is considered proper. The various aspects should be faced by the multidisciplinary equipe: each professional (physician, nurse, non qualified assistance person, physiotherapist, etc.) should known the problem (types of restraint means, indication and contra-indication, sequences) and be able to make a multidimensional evaluation of the necessities of the elder, putting them inside working groups. The physician should be in continuous contact with the others members of the team to verify the possibility of alternative strategies (ie enviromental changes, use of innovative nursing models): only in the absence of alternatives will prescribe a restraint mean, having informed consent from the elder. Family members will have no power to decide for the elder, unless in case of a specific judicial decision.