Revolutionizing Hospital Practices: A New Approach to Human Rights
In recent years, the conversation around human rights in healthcare has gained momentum, and a groundbreaking study titled "Human Rights in Hospitals: an End to Routine Shackling" has emerged as a beacon of change. This research, conducted by a team at Boston Medical Center (BMC), challenges the widespread practice of shackling incarcerated patients in hospitals, advocating for a more humane approach.
The Problem with Routine Shackling
Despite the national attention to health equity, the routine shackling of incarcerated patients remains prevalent in American hospitals. This practice persists regardless of the patient's consciousness, mobility, illness severity, or age. The detrimental effects of shackling on physical health are profound, leading to issues such as skin breakdown, circulation compromise, and increased fall risk.
Moreover, shackling can erode the clinician-patient relationship, fostering bias and diminishing empathy. This dehumanizing practice violates international human rights principles, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (The Nelson Mandela Rules).
A Data-Driven Approach to Policy Change
The research conducted at BMC led to the development of a novel protocol that emphasizes individualized assessments for shackling. This protocol, now part of the hospital's policy, allows for the removal of shackles from incarcerated patients who meet specific criteria, such as sedation or significant weakness due to age or clinical condition.
The success of this initiative has sparked a national movement, with the Stop Shackling Patients Coalition (SSP Coalition) advocating for similar policy changes across the United States. The Massachusetts Medical Society has adopted a resolution condemning universal shackling, and the American Public Health Association has formally endorsed the policy.
Implementing Change: A Call to Action for Practitioners
For healthcare practitioners, this research underscores the importance of advocating for human rights within their institutions. By implementing individualized assessments and collaborating with correctional facilities, practitioners can ensure that the dignity of incarcerated patients is preserved while maintaining safety.
Practitioners are encouraged to engage with hospital leadership and correctional facilities to adopt similar policies. By fostering open communication and identifying shared values, healthcare professionals can drive meaningful change that aligns with both ethical standards and human rights principles.
Conclusion
The findings from BMC highlight the need for a shift in hospital practices to prioritize human dignity and health. As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to challenge practices that perpetuate harm and work towards humanizing the care of all patients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Human Rights in Hospitals: an End to Routine Shackling.
