Physical restraint in the management of violence and aggression in in-patient settings: A review of issues

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a review of issues pertaining to the use of physical restraint in the management of violence and aggression in in-patient mental health settings. It considers the distinction between Control and Restraint (C&R) and other systems of physical restraint techniques, other aspects of management of violence than physical management strategies, ethical and legal issues associated with physical restraint, and the benefits and concerns associated with training in physical restraint. It concludes by considering the features of an appropriate system of physical restraint for inpatient mental health settings, and features of training courses in physical restraint techniques.