The impact of restraints on nursing home resident outcomes

This article is an examination of the impact of physical restraints on physical activities of daily living (PADL), walking, and orientation to reality outcomes among nursing home residents. Computerized assessment data for a cohort of 5073 Virginia Medicaid nursing home admissions with complete data for their first and second post-admission assessments were analyzed. Multiple regression analysis was used to compare the outcomes of restrained and nonrestrained residents, after controlling statistically for the influence of case mix variables that might impact outcomes. Restraint use was associated with increased PADL dependence and disorientation for residents restrained at first and second assessment, both assessments, and either assessment. Restraint was associated with increased walking dependence for residents restrained at their second assessment and either assessment.