Using Training in Verbal Skills to Reduce the Use of Seclusion and Restraint

By Linda Witte

“It’s not possible to be seclusion/restraint free with a mentally ill population.”

“The patients will rule the units and things will be out of control if we don’t use seclusion and restraint.”

“Staff will suffer more injuries.”

“We don’t have time within our shifts to spend on increased verbal interactions.”

Sound familiar? Those same concerns were expressed by Pine Rest staff last winter when rumors of a change in practice were circulating throughout the organization.

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services (PRCMHS) is a recognized leader in mental health care and is one of Michigan’s largest organizations, providing a continuum of services for all ages. First established in 1910, PRCMHS currently serves approximately 187,000 annual patient visits for outpatient care and 5,600 inpatient admissions. In addition, PRCMHS maintains a census of 79 residents in a residential program for people with Developmental Disabilities, 66 residents in an Adolescent Residential Care program, and 135 residents in an Addiction Services Residential program. PRCMHS has dedicated itself to expressing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ through professional excellence, Christian integrity, and compassion. It has always been recognized for high standards of treatment, but the organization knew it could improve in the area of reducing rates of seclusion and restraint.

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