Introduction: Special protective measures are utilized worldwide today, yet they vary significantly depending on the country and its laws. These measures serve as a means to ensure safety and include physical and medication-based restraints, which are necessary when the life of a patient or staff member is at risk. In recent decades, there has been a notable shift in psychiatry toward reducing and managing these measures. The decision to implement special protective measures is not simple, as it entails the loss of the patient's autonomy and freedom. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to explore and present the differences in the application, legal basis, and professional guidelines or standards of special protective measures within the European area. Methods: This thesis employs a descriptive method. A review of both domestic and international professional literature was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, and the National Library of Medicine. The reviewed articles focused on special protective measures in psychiatric hospitals across European countries. The literature met the following criteria: articles published from 2008 onwards and fully accessible online for members of the University of Ljubljana library. Results: Special protective measures differ greatly around the world. In addition to various guidelines and protocols, significant emphasis is placed on the legislation of each country. Understanding these differences and seeking new methods for implementing special protective measures is crucial for safeguarding patient's dignity and ensuring the safety of both patients and their surroundings. Discussion and conclusion: The definition of special protective measures is complex, with each country having its definition and legislation that precisely outlines the terms in use. Healthcare personnel receive annual training, and legalization and guidelines are regularly updated to reduce the use of special protective measures. Nonetheless, such measures are necessary for ensuring safety within the framework of ethical guidelines and respecting fundamental human rights.
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