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Morbidity and Mortality Associated with the Utilization of Restraints

A Review of Literature

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Abstract

Use of physical restraints remains a highly controversial topic. Even with proven efficacy in restraint usage across multiple settings, for years, investigators have debated whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits. There is a growing concern regarding restraints-related negative consequences. Although over the past two decades, with new regulations, education and training, there has been a reduction in the prevalence of restraint episodes, morbidity and mortality are still disconcerting. Given this subject remains an issue today, a more up-to-date review of available literature is warranted. This article reviews the current literature surrounding the utilization of restraints that has been published over last 10 years with particular emphasis on restraints-related adverse outcomes. The vast amount of literature during the past decade demonstrates an increased awareness in potential dangers, as well as highlights new areas of research in restraint utilization. Despite the proliferation of studies, there continues to remain a lack of evidence from prospective studies that would elucidate the dangers from theory to practice.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Maimonides Medical Center, 4802 Tenth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11219, USA

    Maryam Rakhmatullina, Abraham Taub & Theresa Jacob

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  1. Maryam Rakhmatullina
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  2. Abraham Taub
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  3. Theresa Jacob
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Correspondence to Theresa Jacob.

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Rakhmatullina, M., Taub, A. & Jacob, T. Morbidity and Mortality Associated with the Utilization of Restraints. Psychiatr Q 84, 499–512 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-013-9262-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-013-9262-6

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