[Physical restraint use in relation to falls risk in a nursing home]

The use of physical restraints (PR) is common in the care of the elderly. However, their efficacy and safety are not supported by scientific evidence. The aim of this study was to determine the role of PR in preventing falls.

A retrospective cohort study design was used, in which each fall incident (n=575) was examined in the residents over 65 years of age who resided at the one nursing homes from February 2009 to September 2013. An analysis was made of the association between the use of PR and risk of falls using a multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for the characteristics of residents that were associated with the use of PR according to a bivariate analysis.

Risk factors for falls after accounting for PR use, include: risk of falling (Tinetti test) (OR 4.57; 95% CI 1.76-11.75); ability to walk (OR 6.40; 95% CI 2.78-14.74); hearing impairment (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.05-4.29); and history of a previous fall (OR 17.81; 95% CI 8.83-35.93). The risk of falls was greater in restrained, ambulatory residents with cognitive impairment (OR 18.95; 95% CI 7.06-50.85). No differences were found in injuries between falls that occurred with and without PR.

Restraint use was not significantly associated with fewer falls and injuries. The risk of falls could increase in ambulatory residents with cognitive impairment. The study results suggest the need to consider whether restraints provide adequate protection against the risk of falls.