title: Physical restraints in an Italian psychiatric ward: clinical reasons and staff organization problems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze physical restraint use in an Italian acute psychiatric ward, where mechanical restraint by belt is highly discouraged but allowed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were retrospectively collected from medical and nursing charts, from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2008. Physical restraint rate and relationships between restraints and selected variables were statistically analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Restraints were statistically significantly more frequent in compulsory or voluntary admissions of patients with an altered state of consciousness, at night, to control aggressive behavior, and in patients with "Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders" during the first 72 hr of hospitalization.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Analysis of clinical and organizational factors conditioning restraints may limit its use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, Az-USL Modena, Servizio Psichiatrico di Diagnosi e Cura 1, NOCSAE, Baggiovara (Modena), Italy. saradilorenzo1@alice.it
authors.forename: Rosaria
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Di Lorenzo
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baraldi
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mimmi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rigatelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D015985:Precipitating Factors; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*