In recent years, Kent and Medway NHS Trust has made a groundbreaking advancement in the way physical interventions, commonly known as restraint, are handled in healthcare settings. The introduction of The Safety Pod has revolutionized the experience for both patients and staff, reducing physical injury and enhancing the overall therapeutic environment. Originally intended for use in the Mother & Baby Unit, Safety Pods have not only helped reduce the risks associated with restraint but have also proven beneficial for more vulnerable patient groups, including older adults and those with learning disabilities.

The Safety Pod was engineered with the specific aim of making physical interventions safer. Restraints, while sometimes necessary to prevent harm, have historically posed significant risks of injury to both patients and healthcare staff. In addition, traditional restraint methods often contribute to feelings of fear, distress, and trauma among patients. The Safety Pod, resembling a large bean bag, has been ergonomically designed to reduce the risk of injury and trauma during physical interventions. Specifically engineered to respond to the patient’s body, the Safety Pod adjusts to provide the optimum seating angle and comfortable neck and head support, minimising the potential for harm. This dynamic response helps to reduce the level of physical restraint required and provides a more dignified, less invasive approach to managing distressed behaviour.

Kent and Medway began their implementation of Safety Pods in 2018 at the Mother & Baby Unit. This unit was established with a focus on improving the care and experiences of pregnant women and new mothers, particularly in the context of managing distress and challenging behaviours. Staff at the unit saw the opportunity to reimagine how restraint and de-escalation training could be delivered, breaking away from traditional, more restrictive practices.

During the early trials, Safety Pods proved to be highly effective. They reduced the frequency and length of restraint incidents and significantly decreased the risk of injury to both patients and staff. In addition, the ergonomic design of Safety Pods meant that new mothers could use them therapeutically, not only for de-escalation during moments of distress but also as a comfortable place to relax, rest, and nurse their babies.

The feedback from patients and staff was overwhelmingly positive. Many patients reported feeling more at ease, and some noted that the pod offered a feeling of security and comfort during times of heightened anxiety. Staff appreciated the reduced stress of managing challenging behaviours and the increase in staff-patient rapport. The pods quickly became a central tool for managing distress in a safer, more compassionate way.

Following the success in the Mother & Baby Unit, the Trust decided to extend the trial to the Older Adult care group in 2019. This decision was particularly important given the physical frailty of many older adults and the increased vulnerability to injury during physical interventions. The pilot was launched on two Older Adult wards, with the aim of assessing the impact of the Safety Pods on reducing restraint incidents and improving patient and staff experiences.

The results from the pilot were striking. Key improvements included:

• A Reduction in the Length of Restraint Incidents: The duration of physical restraint incidents decreased significantly, making interventions less distressing for both patients and staff
• No Recorded Injuries to Patients or Staff During Restraint: Unlike traditional restraint methods, which carry a high risk of injury, the Safety Pods proved to be a safer alternative, with no incidents of harm recorded
• Improved Staff Experience and Positive Culture: Staff reported feeling more confident and less stressed in managing challenging situations. They also noted that the Safety Pods fostered a more therapeutic environment, which led to a more positive and supportive workplace culture
• Multiple Preventative and Therapeutic Benefits: In addition to their role in physical interventions, the pods were used for various therapeutic activities, such as helping patients relax, reducing agitation, or providing a comfortable space for socialization and engagement

The trial results from the Older Adult wards showed significant, measurable improvements across various key indicators. Notably:

• The average number of restraints per month was reduced by 40%
• The number of seclusions per month dropped by 46%
• There was a reduction in the use of rapid tranquillization medication, particularly intramuscular (IM) injections, which are often used in high-stress situations involving agitated patients

These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of Safety Pods not only in reducing the use of physical restraints but also in promoting a culture of care that prioritizes the safety and dignity of patients.

The most compelling evidence of The Safety Pods’ success comes from the feedback of those who have used them—patients, carers, and staff alike.

“I didn’t realize that they had an alternative use because they are just so nice to sit in and relax, especially if someone is distressed or has a bad back.”

“Absolutely love the bean bag and had 15 minutes of quality cuddle time with my dad – what a wonderful idea.”

“They are nice to relax on. Can we get more?!”

“The safety pods have proven to be a more therapeutic way of managing restraint. It is less scary for service users and staff, especially for those with a learning disability background.”

“They also have a more therapeutic benefit when de-escalating. Safety Pods reduce the risk of injury to both staff and service users.”

The success of the Safety Pods in Kent and Medway has demonstrated their potential to transform care practices across a range of patient groups. The Safety Pod not only enhance safety during physical interventions but also offer therapeutic benefits that can aid in de-escalation, reduce distress, and improve the overall patient experience. Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback and measurable improvements in patient and staff outcomes, the Trust continues to expand the use of Safety Pods to additional wards and patient groups.

The introduction of the Safety Pod at Kent and Medway NHS Trust represents a significant step forward in creating safer, more compassionate care environments. By embracing innovative solutions like the Safety Pod, the Trust is leading the way in improving the experiences of both patients and healthcare professionals, making a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most.