Reasons for physically restraining patients and residents: a systematic review and content analysis.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review was to determine why people are physically restrained in the acute and residential care settings. METHOD A comprehensive search was undertaken of electronic databases to identify studies addressing the reasons for using physical restraint. Findings were synthesised using content analysis. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were identified. The most common reason for using restraints related to patient-oriented issues such as ensuring the safety of people. However, they are also commonly used to facilitate treatment, maintain the social environment and because of issues such as understaffing.