Physical Restraint Definition

Restraints are protective devices that are used to limit the activity of patients whom may pose threats to themselves. Restraints can be considered physical or chemical. Often times the use of seclusion can be deemed as a form of restraint as well. Physical restraints are any physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment that is attached to the body of the patient so that it cannot be easily removed. Physical restraints can potentially prevent the freedom of movement and one’s normal ability to access one 's own body. Furthermore, restraints hinder the ability to perform movements and/or actions one desires. Examples of physical restraints include bed side rails, wheelchair lap belts, leather or cloth wrist and ankle restraints, vests, hand mitts, pelvic ties, Geri-chairs, etc. (Koizer, 2012). Chemical restraints are medication and chemicals used for discipline or convenience. Simply stated, chemical restraints can be used to control acute or episodic socially disruptive, harmful, or aggressive behavior. Examples of chemical restraints include medications such as anxiolytics, sedatives, neuroleptic and psychotropic agents (Koizer, 2012). Seclusion can be defined as the involuntary confinement of a patient to a room

Rakhmatullina and Jacob (2013) conducted a literature surrounding the current utilization of restraints that has been published over last 10 years. The review placed emphasis on restraints-related adverse outcomes in practice. Outcomes suggested the literature demonstrated an increased awareness in possible dangers, in addition to highlighting new areas of research in restraint utilization. However, despite the increase in awareness, there still is a lack of evidence that would reveal the dangers from theory to practice (Rakhmatullina & Jacob,