A Collaborative Stakeholder Approach for Reducing the Use of Custodial Restraints in Hospitalized Patients

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Public Health Policy
• Criminal Justice Health

Background:

• Hospitals frequently use custodial restraints on patients admitted from correctional facilities.
• Current blanket restraint protocols are applied irrespective of clinical needs or specific public safety risks.
• The indiscriminate use of restraints leads to physical harm, mental distress, and perpetuates prejudice among incarcerated patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a shift from blanket custodial restraint policies to individualized patient care plans.
• To highlight the detrimental effects of non-individualized restraint use on patient well-being and safety.
• To propose a collaborative stakeholder approach for developing improved public policy on custodial restraints.

Main Methods:

• This viewpoint paper analyzes the current practices of custodial restraint in hospitals.
• It reviews the negative impacts of indiscriminate restraint use on patient health and dignity.
• It recommends a collaborative policy development process involving diverse stakeholders.

Main Results:

• Blanket restraint policies in hospitals harm incarcerated patients physically and mentally.
• Current practices fail to adequately balance public safety with patient care needs.
• A case-by-case analysis is essential for developing effective, individualized restraint plans.

Conclusions:

• Hospitals and correctional facilities must collaborate to create individualized custodial restraint plans.
• A multi-stakeholder approach, including patients with lived experience, is crucial for policy evolution.
• New policies should prioritize patient healing, reduce harm and prejudice, and ensure safety for all.