RESUMO
. The contribution of voluntary associations in the process of eliminating mechanical restraint in hospitals. INTRODUCTION: Eliminating the restraint use in fragile people at any age and pathological condition is an ethical, legal, deontological commitment. OBJECTIVE: To describe the attempt to eliminate restraint use with the involvement of voluntary associations in the Trieste Health Authority. METHODS: In 2016, a register of volunteers "Albo dei Volontari art. 13" (Register of Volunteers art. 13) was established, and the voluntary service to which 45 people from 7 voluntary associations have joined, after a training course of 6 weeks. RESULTS: In the three-year period 2017-19 volunteers served in 17 wards assisting 83 patients, with a commitment of 1108 hours. They were required for people with mobilisation problems, but also with problems of companionship, nutrition, disorientation and wandering. These are non-critical situations which, if not properly managed, lead to restraint measures. CONCLUSIONS: Volunteers can be integrated into teams, make an important contribution and lead to a reduction in restraint. The experience could be transferable to other contexts.
