Mental health outcomes and physical restraint use in nursing homes {private}.
We investigate the nexus between mental health outcomes in nursing home residents and the use of physical restraints. Previous studies in this area used limited statistical tests such as correlations and t-tests, that could not account for potential biases, such as residents who become mentally disturbed may be most likely to be restrained. We use propensity matching models that are less susceptible to this bias and data from the Minimum Data Set, representing approximately 2,000 residents over a period of 6 years. Our results clearly show that restrained residents are more likely to become more impaired with respect to cognitive performance, depression, and social engagement. We conclude that if facilities reduce restraint use then the prevalence of resident mental health problems will also likely decline.
Castle
Nicholas G
NG
A649 Crabtree Hall, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. castlen@pitt.edu
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid / Q000592:standards; D006278:Medicare / Q000592:standards; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012919:Social Behavior; D014481:United States