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Use of Restrictive Practices in Non-Authorised Healthcare Settings Policy

Applicable to: This policy is applicable to all HSPs except for Health Support Services, and PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA.

Description: The WA health system is committed to minimising, as much as possible, the use of restrictive practices during a period of health care whilst maintaining staff member and patient safety.

This policy outlines the minimum requirements for the safe and lawful use of restrictive practices on patients in a non-authorised healthcare setting. Restrictive practices, inclusive of detention and/or restraint, must only be used as a last resort after exhausting all other strategies and when there is an imminent or actual health or safety risk. Restrictive practices must be applied in a respectful manner, with the intention of preserving patient rights, dignity and autonomy, in the least restrictive way possible given an assessment of the risk factors of each incident.

This policy aims to embed the safe and lawful use of restrictive practices in alignment with the principles of consent, decision making capacity and necessity. It also promotes the use of trauma-informed care and the consideration of the patient’s rights, freedoms and choices whilst balancing healthcare needs and safety in line with the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. The use of restrictive practices must also be considered alongside the clinician’s duty of care obligations and responsibilities.

The policy provides direction for Health Service Provider (HSP) staff members who work in non-authorised healthcare settings. Restrictive practices may be used in the treatment and care of people who present with disturbed behaviour, cognitive impairment and/or psychological distress due to non-medical, medical, mental illness, alcohol and other drug related issues.

This policy is a mandatory requirement for HSPs under the Clinical Governance, Safety and Quality Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(d) of the Health Services Act 2016.

This policy aligns with the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards 1, 2, 5 and 8 (2nd edition) requirements that relate to minimising harm. The purpose of these standards is to provide high quality healthcare whilst ensuring the least amount of harm to the public.

The policy is not applicable to:

  • Patients under a mental health care order receiving treatment within an authorised hospital.
  • A patient who is under arrest or a prisoner of the WA Police Force or Department of Justice Corrective Services, where statutory requirements exist and obligations to public safety and maintaining custody override medical need.
  • Individuals who are not patients of the health service, that are not receiving treatment, for example visitors, relatives, guardians, friends, and other members of the public.

This policy is to be read in conjunction with:

 

Date of effect: 19 July 2024

Policy Framework

Supporting information

wa.gov.au