Debrief following adverse events/restraint

A debrief is a collaborative learning opportunity for staff, patients and carers to reflect on a shared experience to gain valuable information to help identify areas for improvement and achieve better outcomes in the future. Debriefs need to consider the facts, acknowledge feelings, aim to be a learning opportunity and focus on planning for prevention of further episodes.

Best practice suggests a post restraint debrief should be conducted with patients, carers and families, staff and has a focus on triggers and harm, such as;

  • immediate debrief with staff involved and patient within three hours, and
  • formal incident debriefing where indicated or appropriate within seven days and includes family and wider clinical team.

It is recommended that patients and carers who witness a restraint are debriefed with a focus on psychological harm. This may also apply to other visiting staff including estates / maintenance / contractors.