The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Restraints Improvement Group, . Likewise, the studies related to ventilated patients show that those who self extubate were restrained, sedated, or both. Drugs are a good alternative to restraints.
Sedatives affect the patients level of consciousness, respiratory effort and other vital signs.
Restrained patients have a longer hospital stay. The act of restraining may itself contribute to a manifestation of agitation. Patients who are restrained understand the need for restraints. The multidisciplinary team continues to monitor any patient who has been restrained continuously for 7 days or was transferred in restraint to a unit during the prior week. Increased awareness can result in change in restraint practice.