Interventions to reduce physical restraints in general hospital settings: A scoping review of components and characteristics

Aims and objectives To describe the characteristics of interventions for reducing physical restraints in general hospital settings. Background Physical restraints, such as bedrails and belts in beds and chairs, are commonly used in general hospital settings. However, there is no clear evidence on their effectiveness but some evidence on potential risks for harm. Design Scoping review. Methods We conducted a systematic database search (MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library; March 2020) and snowballing techniques. We included both interventional studies and quality improvement projects conducted in general hospital settings and published in English or German language. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and data extraction. The Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) Checklist was used. Results We included 31 articles (published between 1989 and 2018), 15 quality improvement projects and 16 intervention studies. Only five studies used a controlled design. Most studies and quality improvement projects investigated multicomponent interventions including education (predominantly for nursing staff) and additional components (e.g. case conferences). Three studies examined simple educational programmes without additional components. Conclusions A large number of multicomponent interventions for preventing and reducing physical restraints in general hospital settings have been developed. The interventions differed widely regarding the components, contents and settings. Well‐designed evaluation studies investigating the effects of such interventions are lacking. Relevance to Clinical Practice Multicomponent educational interventions might be one approach to change clinical practice, but only insufficient information is available about potential effects of these approaches.