Safety and efficacy of physical restraints for the elderly. Review of the evidence

Abstract

Objective: To critically review evidence on the safety and efficacy of physical restraints for the elderly and to provide family physicians with guidelines for rational use of restraints.

Data sources: Articles cited on MEDLINE (from 1989 to November 1994) and Cinahl (from 1982 to 1994) under the MeSH heading "physical restraints."

Study selection: Articles that specifically dealt with the safety and efficacy of restraints and current patterns of use, including prevalence, risk factors, and indications, were selected. Eight original research articles were identified and critically appraised.

Data extraction: Data extracted concerned the negative sequelae of restraints and the association between restraint use and fall and injury rates. General data about current patterns of restraint use were related to safety and efficacy findings.

Data synthesis: No randomized, controlled trials of physical restraint use were found in the literature. A variety of study design, including retrospective chart review, prospective cohort studies, and case reports, found little evidence that restraints prevent injury. Some evidence suggested that restraints might increase risk of falls and injury. Restraint-reduction programs have not been shown to increase fall or injury rates. Numerous case reports document injuries or deaths resulting from restraint use or misuse.

Conclusions: Although current evidence does not support the belief that restraints prevent falls and injuries and questions their safety, further prospective and controlled studies are needed to clarify these issues. Information from review and research articles was synthesized in this paper to produce guidelines for the safe and rational use of restraints.