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Physical Restraint in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study in China
Insights
Physical restraint (PR) is common in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in China, affecting 69.1% of patients. Age, mechanical ventilation, drainage tubes, and sedation are key factors associated with PR use in PICUs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Medical Device Use
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Limited research exists on physical restraint (PR) protocols in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
- Previous studies in China primarily focused on adult patient restraint.
- Data on PR application in Chinese PICUs is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the application of physical restraint (PR) in Chinese PICUs.
- To identify factors associated with PR use in pediatric intensive care settings.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in a single PICU in China.
- Data from 1,086 pediatric patients were collected over 11 months (January-December 2020).
- Logistic regression models analyzed risk factors for PR use.
Main Results:
- 69.1% of pediatric patients (750/1086) were physically restrained.
- Restraint duration exceeded 50% of PICU stay for 83.5% of restrained patients.
- Age (1-17 years), mechanical ventilation, drainage tubes, and sedation were significant factors associated with PR use.
Conclusions:
- Physical restraint is prevalent in Chinese PICUs.
- Standardized PR procedures and enhanced staff education are crucial for Chinese PICUs.
- Age, mechanical ventilation, drainage tubes, and sedation necessitate careful consideration regarding PR.
Background:
Research data on the extent of and protocols related to physical restraint (PR) in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are scarce. Most previous studies in China on this topic have focused on the prevalence, reasons, and background of PR use among adult patients.
Purpose:
This study was designed to delineate the application of PR and the factors associated with PR use in PICUs in China.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in one PICU at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 1,086 pediatric patients in the PICU were included in this study. Data collection was performed over 11 months, utilizing PR observation forms and patient records. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to obtain the data, and logistic regression models were used to analyze the independent risk factors for PR.
Results:
Of the 1,086 participants, 750 (69.1%) experienced being restrained, and 83.5% of the restrained participants who were pediatric patients were restrained for more than 50% of their time during their PICU stay. The results of logistic regression analysis identified age (1-6 years: OR = 2.090, 95% CI [1.508, 2.897], p < .001; 7-17 years: OR = 0.523, 95% CI [0.358, 0.765], p = .001), use of mechanical ventilation ( OR = 2.126, 95% CI [1.480, 3.055], p < .001), use of drainage tubes ( OR = 1.916, 95% CI [1.445, 2.541], p < .001), and sedation ( OR = 1.494, 95% CI [1.101, 2.026], p = .010) as significantly correlated with the use of PR in the PICU. For the 750 patients who experienced being restrained, PR initiation was documented with a written medical order, and in 604 cases (80.5%), the restraints were removed without similar documentation.
Conclusions:
The use of PR is common in PICUs in China, with more than half of pediatric patients being restrained during their stay. Age, mechanical ventilation, use of drainage tubes, and use of sedative drugs were identified as significantly associated with PR use. Developing standardized procedures/guidelines for PR use in Chinese PICUs and enhancing medical staff education on PR practices are imperative.
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