Il contributo delle associazioni di volontariato nel percorso di eliminazione della contenzione meccanica in ambito ospedaliero

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.