Restraint Orders and Utilitarian Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper examines a curious hospital policy within the context of utilitarian theory. Specifically, the paper explains what utilitarian theory is and notes how utilitarian theory can be used to both condemn and justify the policy. At the same time the paper outlines how the greatest good for the greatest number can be found by arriving at a middle approach to restraint policy which permits staff to only restrain individuals when they constitute a legitimate physical danger to themselves and to others.

From the Paper:

"In some American hospitals, standing restraint orders and restraint PNR orders are not permitted. Using the utilitarian theory, the following paper will critique this policy position and argue that such a policy directive is untenable - at least according to utilitarian dictates. To put it another way, any hospital restraint policy which does not allow for standing restraint and/or for restraint PNR orders is essentially one which is privileging the freedom and interests of one individual above the collective interests and security concerns of everyone else within the facility; suffice it to say, the general threat to the well-being of others would seem to argue against any such initiative aimed at forbidding restraint measures within a hospital setting."

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