Restraint and seclusion: a review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
The author reviewed the literature published since 1972 concerning restraint and seclusion.


METHODS
The review began with a computerized literature search. Further sources were located through citations from articles identified in the original search.


RESULTS
The author synthesized the contents of the articles reviewed using the categories of indications and contraindications; rates of seclusion and restraint as well as demographic, clinical, and environmental factors that affect these rates; effects on patients and staff; implementation; and training.


CONCLUSIONS
The literature on restraint and seclusion supports the following. 1) Seclusion and restraint are basically efficacious in preventing injury and reducing agitation. 2) It is nearly impossible to operate a program for severely symptomatic individuals without some form of seclusion or physical or mechanical restraint. 3) Restraint and seclusion have deleterious physical and psychological effects on patients and staff, and the psychiatric consumer/survivor movement has emphasized these effects. 4) Demographic and clinical factors have limited influence on rates of restraint and seclusion. 5) Local nonclinical factors, such as cultural biases, staff role perceptions, and the attitude of the hospital administration, have a greater influence on rates of restraint and seclusion. 6) Training in prediction and prevention of violence, in self-defense, and in implementation of restraint and/or seclusion is valuable in reducing rates and untoward effects. 7) Studies comparing well-defined training programs have potential usefulness.
Fisher
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New York State Office of Mental Health, Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, Queens Village.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D032763:Behavior Control; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000517:prevention & control; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control; D012926:Social Control, Formal; D012934:Social Isolation; D014754:Violence