The authors present the results of a simple questionnaire monitoring general praxis of the use of coercive measures in the Czech Republic. The aim of the study was to find out whether there were some differences among psychiatric wards or hospitals. Until the beginning of the year 2005 there has not existed any unique guidline of national praxis concerning coercive measures. According to our results, the use of coercive measures follows largely local experiences or local guidlines. The main problem shows to be a lack of medical staff, which limits possibilities of carrying out these measures. It seems to be really usefull to create a unique guidline of best national praxis.

        Key words: coercive measures, involuntary admission, restraint.