ICU Nurses’ Attitudes, Practices, and Perceived Ethical Dilemmas Regarding the Application of Physical Restraint Algorithms
10.35301/ksme.2025.28.3.229
- Author:
Ah-Young CHO
1
;
Min-Ji LEE
;
Hyo-Jung BAN
;
Eun-Jeong JUN
;
Min-Jung CHOI
Author Information
1. Registered Nurse, Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Research Article
- From:
Korean Journal of Medical Ethics
2025;28(3):229-240
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
This descriptive survey study aimed to assess the impact of applying a restraint algorithm on intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ attitudes, clinical practices, and perceived ethical dilemmas related to restraint use. The study included 159 ICU nurses from two hospitals affiliated with C University in Seoul, surveyed between 15 December 2023 and 15 January 2024. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A, in which the restraint algorithm was applied, and Group B, in which it was not.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, a one-way ANOVA, Scheffé’s test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients, with the SPSS/WIN 29.0 program. There was no significant effect of the physical restraint algorithm on nurses’ attitudes or practices. However, nurses in the algorithm group reported higher levels of perceived ethical dilemmas related to restraint use (t=2.07, p=.040). Additionally, nurses with more positive attitudes toward physical restraints were more likely to experience ethical dilemmas (r=0.44, p<.001). The findings of this study suggest that applying a restraint algorithm may be associated with increased perception of ethical dilemmas related to its use among nurses. Therefore, it is important to develop and implement consistent guidelines for restraint use as well as support programs to help ICU nurses address those dilemmas.
