Resumo

CERQUEIRA, Paula et al. Redefining Care: Ethics and Portugal's Journey to Restraint-Free Healthcare. Medicina Interna [online]. 2025, vol.32, n.2, pp.69-75.  Epub 11-Jul-2025. ISSN 0872-671X.  https://doi.org/10.24950/rspmi.2658.

The ethical use of physical restraints in medical wards is a critical issue that requires careful consideration of patient autonomy, dignity, and safety. This article explores the complex ethical landscape surrounding the application of physical restraints, focusing on core principles such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Restraints should be justified through thorough assessment and documentation, emphasizing minimizing harm and involving patients or their representatives in decision-making. Ethical guidelines recommend regularly monitoring and reviewing restraint practices, prioritizing patient comfort and dignity, and exploring alternative strategies for managing challenging behaviors. Additionally, this article examines Portugal’s regulatory framework and legal standards, which emphasize restraint as a last-resort measure, highlighting the importance of necessity, proportionality, informed consent, and ongoing monitoring. By fostering a culture of empathy, transparency, and continuous improvement, Portuguese healthcare practices illustrate a model for ethically responsible restraint use that aligns with national and international standards.

Palavras-chave : Ethics, Medical; Informed Consent; Patient Safety; Patient Rights; Personal Autonomy..

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