Prevalence, Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated with Physical Restraint in Acute Medical Inpatients over 4 Years-A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Physical restraints are frequently used in acute care hospitals. Their application is associated with negative outcomes, while their intended preventive effect is debated. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of physical restraints and associated outcomes on medical wards in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Retrospective cohort study (January 2018 to December 2021). We included all adult medical in-patients and excluded patients with admission to the intensive care unit, short stays (length of stay (LOS) < 48 h), and patients declining informed consent. Results: Of 11,979 admissions, the prevalence of patients with at least one restraint was 6.4% (n = 772). Sensor mats were used most frequently (73.0%, n = 666), followed by blanket restrictions (14.5%, n = 132), bedrails (8.8%, n = 80) and belts (3.7%, n = 34). On average, restraints were applied 19 h (standard deviation (SD) +/- 161) before a fall. Average restraint duration was 42 h (SD +/- 57). Patients with a restraint had longer LOS 8 days (IQR 5-14) vs. 5 days (IQR 3-9). Median nurses' time expenditure was 309 h (IQR 242-402) vs. 182 h (IQR 136-243) for non-restrained patients. Patients with restraints fell more often (22.5% vs. 2.7%) and were more likely to die (13.3% vs. 5.1%). These differences persisted after adjusting a regression model for important clinical confounders. We saw a decline in the duration of restraints over the years, but no variation between wards. Conclusion: Approximately 6% of medical patients, mostly older and severely ill, were affected by restraint use. For the first time, we report data over 4 years up to ward-level granularity.

Automated summary

This retrospective cohort study investigated the prevalence of physical restraints and their associated outcomes in medical wards of a tertiary care hospital. The results showed that sensor mats were the most frequently used restraint, followed by blanket restrictions, bedrails, and belts. Patients with restraints had longer hospital stays, higher rates of falls, and increased mortality.