Deaths caused by physical restraints.
A retrospective analysis of 122 deaths caused by vest and strap restraints found that most victims were women (78%) and a median age of 81. Victims were found suspended from chairs (42%) or beds (58%); 83% were in nursing homes. Detailed analysis of 19 cases showed that all were demented, 13 had impulsive or involuntary movements, and 14 had recently tried to escape from a restraint or been found in a dangerous position while restrained. Restraints are an underrecognized, underreported, avoidable, and proximate cause of at least 1 of every 1,000 nursing home deaths.
Miles
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Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55415.
Irvine
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008910:Minnesota; D009026:Mortality; D009735:Nursing Homes; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies