Mechanical Restraint in Psychiatry: Preventive Factors in Theory and Practice. A Danish-Norwegian Association Study

PURPOSE: To examine how potential mechanical restraint preventive factors in hospitals are associated with the frequency of mechanical restraint episodes. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study employed a retrospective association design, and linear regression was used to assess the associations. FINDINGS: Three mechanical restraint preventive factors were significantly associated with low rates of mechanical restraint use: mandatory review (exp[B] = .36, p < .01), patient involvement (exp[B] = .42, p < .01), and no crowding (exp[B] = .54, p < .01). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: None of the three mechanical restraint preventive factors presented any adverse effects; therefore, units should seriously consider implementing these measures.