Use of Physical Restraints in a Rehabilitation Setting: Findings from a Point Prevalence Survey

A point prevalence survey among 125 patients in two units of a rehabilitation facility showed that the physical restraint rate was 12.8% (n=16). The survey examined the reason(s) for restraint use, whether its use had been explained, consent obtained and documented, whether the restraint had been appropriately applied and patients monitored during the period when restraint was applied, and whether alternatives had been attempted. Interestingly, six patients were found to have had their restraints removed either before or after the survey. A slightly less restrictive form of restraint, boxing gloves, was used for seven patients instead of limbs holders. Three patients remained restrained. The results of this study revealed that there was room for improvement in practice of restraints, and that measures to reduce the use of restraints were not necessarily very costly. Applying physical restraints is counter-productive to rehabilitative care. Nurses and other health disciplines need to be better informed regarding restraint reduction programs.