The Emory cubicle bed: an alternative to restraints for agitated traumatically brain injured clients

As traumatically brain injured (TBI) clients emerge from coma, there may be transitory periods of agitation during which they pull at feeding tubes and intravenous catheters and thrash about, thus placing themselves at high risk of injury. During these periods, staff traditionally have resorted to restraints. But chemical restraints actually may be detrimental to cognitive recovery, and physical restraints often serve to increase agitation and foster dependence. Another approach is to modify the environment. The Emory cubicle bed, a modification of the Craig bed used at Craig Hospital in Colorado, allows for freedom of movement while blocking the client's field of vision. In reducing both tactile and visual stimulation, the bed also reduces agitation.