[Ethics of care: Assessment of the ethical issues in the protocols or consensuses on mechanical restraint in force in Spain]. / Ética de los cuidados: valoración de los contenidos éticos en los protocolos o consensos de contención mecánica vigentes en España.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical restraints are widely used in health care practice, despite the numerous ethical conflicts they raise. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ethical considerations contemplated in the current protocols on mechanical restraint in Spain. METHOD: Systematic review in PubMed, WOS and Scopus, Google and Google Scholar. An ad hoc list of 30 items was used to evaluate the ethical content of the protocols. The quality of guidelines was assessed with AGREE II. RESULTS: The need for informed consent (IC) is reflected in 72% of the documents, the IC model sheet is included in only 41% of them, the rest of the analyzed characteristics on IC are fulfilled in percentages between 6% (the document includes the need to reevaluate the indication for IC) and 31% (the document contemplates to whom it should be requested). More than 20 ethical contents are reflected in 31% of them and less than 10 in 19% of the guidelines. The quality of the guides, according to AGREE II, ranged from 27 to 116 points (maximum possible 161), with a mean score of 68.7. Only 9% of the documents were classified as high quality. Finally, the correlation between ethical content and quality measured with AGREE II was 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: The variability of ethical contents in guidelines on mechanical restraints is very high. The ethical requirements to be included in protocols, consensus or Clinical Practice Guidelines should be defined.

Verbal de-escalation to reduce the use of mechanical restraint during nonvoluntary ambulance transfers. / Utilización de la desescalada verbal para reducir la contención mecánica durante los traslados no voluntarios en ambulancia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of annual training in verbal de-escalation techniques for reducing the use of mechanical restraints during nonvoluntary ambulance transfers of patients with mental health problems who need emergency care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Quasi-experimental before-after study. Patients with mental diseases treated by a psychiatric team and transferred from home without their consent were included from January through December 2008 in Barcelona. Since 2013, the team had been attending annual training sessions in verbal de-escalation based on the recommendations of the BETA project (Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Agitation). We compared the prevalence of the use of mechanical restraint before and after the team started verbal de-escalation training. We also analyzed variables associated with the need to use restraints. RESULTS: Patients in 633 nonvoluntary transfers were included. Mechanical restraints were used in 42.0% of transfers before de-escalation training and in 20.6% of transfers afterwards, reflecting a 50.1% reduction. Logistic regression identified younger age and the presence of psychotic symptoms as factors associated with the use of restraints; the use of verbal de-escalation was a protective factor (P 0.005). CONCLUSION: Annual training in verbal de-escalation techniques following the BETA project's recommendations led to a 50% reduction in the need to use mechanical restraint during nonvoluntary ambulance transfers of patients with mental health problems.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad de la formación anual en desescalada verbal (DV) en la reducción de las contenciones mecánicas (CM) durante los traslados no voluntarios en ambulancia a urgencias de pacientes con enfermedad mental. METODO: Estudio cuasiexperimental antes-después. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con enfermedad mental trasladados de manera no voluntaria en Barcelona por un equipo de atención psiquiátrica en domicilio, desde enero de 2008 hasta diciembre de 2020. En el año 2013 el equipo al completo inició una formación anual en DV en base a las recomendaciones del proyecto BETA (Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Agitation). Se ha comparado la prevalencia de CM durante dichos traslados, antes y después de iniciar la formación en DV. Asimismo se han analizado los factores asociados a la necesidad de CM. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 633 traslados no voluntarios. Antes de la formación en DV hubo un 42,0% de CM y después fue del 20,6%, lo que supone una reducción del 50,1%. La regresión logística mostró que los factores asociados a la necesidad de CM son una menor edad y la existencia de síntomas psicóticos como factores de riesgo y uso de la DV como factor protector (p 0,005). CONCLUSIONES: La formación anual en DV siguiendo las recomendaciones del proyecto BETA ha permitido una reducción del 50% de la necesidad de CM durante el traslado no voluntario en ambulancia de pacientes con enfermedad mental.

Utilización de la desescalada verbal para reducir la contención mecánica durante los traslados no voluntarios en ambulancia / Verbal de-escalation to reduce the use of mechanical restraint during nonvoluntary ambulance transfers

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la formación anual en desescalada verbal (DV) en la reducción de las contenciones mecánicas (CM) durante los traslados no voluntarios en ambulancia a urgencias de pacientes con enfermedad mental. Método: Estudio cuasiexperimental antes-después. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con enfermedad mental trasladados de manera no voluntaria en Barcelona por un equipo de atención psiquiátrica en domicilio, desde enero de 2008 hasta diciembre de 2020. En el año 2013 el equipo al completo inició una formación anual en DV en base a las recomendaciones del proyecto BETA (Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Agitation). Se ha comparado la prevalencia de CM durante dichos traslados, antes y después de iniciar la formación en DV. Asimismo se han analizado los factores asociados a la necesidad de CM. Resultados: Se incluyeron 633 traslados no voluntarios. Antes de la formación en DV hubo un 42,0% de CM y después fue del 20,6%, lo que supone una reducción del 50,1%. La regresión logística mostró que los factores asociados a la necesidad de CM son una menor edad y la existencia de síntomas psicóticos como factores de riesgo y uso de la DV como factor protector (p < 0,005). Conclusiones: La formación anual en DV siguiendo las recomendaciones del proyecto BETA ha permitido una reducción del 50% de la necesidad de CM durante el traslado no voluntario en ambulancia de pacientes con enfermedad mental. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of annual training in verbal de-escalation techniques for reducing the use of mechanical restraints during nonvoluntary ambulance transfers of patients with mental health problems who need emergency care. Methods: Quasi-experimental before-after study. Patients with mental diseases treated by a psychiatric team andtransferred from home without their consent were included from January through December 2008 in Barcelona. Since 2013, the team had been attending annual training sessions in verbal de-escalation based on the recommendations of the BETA project (Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Agitation). We compared the prevalence of the use of mechanical restraint before and after the team started verbal de-escalation training. We also analyzed variables associated with the need to use restraints. Results: Patients in 633 nonvoluntary transfers were included. Mechanical restraints were used in 42.0% of transfers before de-escalation training and in 20.6% of transfers afterwards, reflecting a 50.1% reduction. Logistic regression identified younger age and the presence of psychotic symptoms as factors associated with the use of restraints; the use of verbal de-escalation was a protective factor (P < 0.005). Conclusions: Annual training in verbal de-escalation techniques following the BETA project’s recommendations led to a 50% reduction in the need to use mechanical restraint during nonvoluntary ambulance transfers of patients with mental health problems. (AU)

The use of mechanical restraint in critical care units: Characterisation, application standards and related factors. Results of a multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and characterise the use of mechanical restraint (MR) in critical care units (CCU) in terms of frequency and quality of application and to study its relationship with pain/agitation-sedation/delirium, nurse:patient ratio and institutional involvement. METHOD: Multicentre observational study conducted in 17 CCUs between February and May 2016. The observation time per CCU was 96 h. The main variables were the prevalence of restraint, the degree of adherence to MR recommendations, pain/agitation-sedation/delirium monitoring and institutional involvement (protocols and training of professionals). RESULTS: A total of 1070 patients were included. The overall prevalence of restraint was 19.11%, in patients with endotracheal tube (ETT) 42.10% and in patients without ETT or artificial airway it was 13.92%. Adherence rates between 0% and 40% were obtained for recommendations related to non-pharmacological management and between 0% and 100% for those related to monitoring of ethical-legal aspects. The lower prevalence of restraint was correlated with adequate pain monitoring in non-communicative patients (P < .001) and with the provision of training for professionals (P = .020). An inverse correlation was found between the quality of the use of MR and its prevalence, both in the general group of patients admitted to CCU (r = -.431) and in the subgroup of patients with ETT (r = -.521). CONCLUSIONS: Restraint is especially frequently used in patients with ETT/artificial airway, but is also used in other patients who may not meet the use profile. There is wide room for improvement in non-pharmacological alternatives to the use of MC, ethical and legal vigilance, and institutional involvement. Better interpretation of patient behaviour with validated tools may help limit use of MR.

Uso de contenciones mecánicas en unidades de cuidados críticos: caracterización, estándares de aplicación y factores relacionados. Resultados de un estudio multicéntrico / The use of mechanical restraint in critical care units: Characterisation, application standards and related factors. Results of a multicentre study

Objetivos: Describir y caracterizar el uso de contenciones mecánicas (CM) en unidades de cuidados críticos (UCC) en términos de frecuencia y calidad de aplicación y analizar su relación con la monitorización del dolor/agitación-sedación/delirio, la ratio enfermera:paciente y la implicación institucional. Método: Estudio observacional multicéntrico realizado en 17 UCC entre febrero y mayo del año 2016. El tiempo de observación por UCC fue de 96h. Las principales variables fueron la prevalencia de contenciones, el grado de adherencia a las recomendaciones de uso de CM, la monitorización del dolor/agitación-sedación/delirio y la implicación institucional (protocolos y formación de los profesionales). Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.070 pacientes. La prevalencia general de contenciones fue del 19,11%, en pacientes con tubo endotraqueal (TET) del 42,10% y en pacientes sin TET ni vía aérea artificial del 13,92%. Se obtuvieron valores de adherencia entre el 0 y el 40% para las recomendaciones relacionadas con manejo no farmacológico y entre el 0 y el 100% para las relacionadas con la vigilancia de aspectos ético-legales. La menor prevalencia de contenciones se correlacionó con una adecuada monitorización del dolor en pacientes no comunicativos (p<0,001) y con la impartición de formación a los profesionales (p=0,020). Se halló correlación inversa entre la calidad de aplicación de CM y su prevalencia, tanto en el grupo general de pacientes ingresados en las UCC (r=−0,431) como en el subgrupo de pacientes con TET (r=−0,521). Conclusiones: Las contenciones son especialmente frecuentes en pacientes con TET/vía aérea artificial, pero también están presentes en otros pacientes que a priori no responden al perfil de uso atribuido. Las alternativas no farmacológicas al uso de CM, la vigilancia de aspectos éticos y legales y la implicación institucional presentan un amplio margen de mejora.(AU)

Objectives: To describe and characterise the use of mechanical restraint (MR) in critical care units (CCU) in terms of frequency and quality of application and to study its relationship with pain/agitation-sedation/delirium, nurse:patient ratio and institutional involvement. Method: Multicentre observational study conducted in 17 CCUs between February and May 2016. The observation time per CCU was 96h. The main variables were the prevalence of restraint, the degree of adherence to MR recommendations, pain/agitation-sedation/delirium monitoring and institutional involvement (protocols and training of professionals). Results: A total of 1070 patients were included. The overall prevalence of restraint was 19.11%, in patients with endotracheal tube (ETT) 42.10% and in patients without ETT or artificial airway it was 13.92%. Adherence rates between 0% and 40% were obtained for recommendations related to non-pharmacological management and between 0% and 100% for those related to monitoring of ethical-legal aspects. The lower prevalence of restraint was correlated with adequate pain monitoring in non-communicative patients (P<.001) and with the provision of training for professionals (P=.020). An inverse correlation was found between the quality of the use of MR and its prevalence, both in the general group of patients admitted to CCU (r=−.431) and in the subgroup of patients with ETT (r=−.521). Conclusions: Restraint is especially frequently used in patients with ETT/artificial airway, but is also used in other patients who may not meet the use profile. There is wide room for improvement in non-pharmacological alternatives to the use of MC, ethical and legal vigilance, and institutional involvement. Better interpretation of patient behaviour with validated tools may help limit use of MR.(AU)

[Impact of family restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic on the use of physical restraint in an acute hospital: An observational study]. / Impacto de las restricciones de visitas de familiares de pacientes por la pandemia de COVID-19 sobre la utilización de la contención mecánica en un hospital de agudos: estudio observacional.

INTRODUCTION: During the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, hospitals developed contingency plans that transformed and reorganized the hospital activity. One of the measures was to restrict access to family members of hospitalized patients. The presence of the patient's family is considered an alternative to physical restraint. The aim of this study is to compare the use of physical restraint in hospitalized patients in an acute care hospital during the previous period of the pandemic of COVID-19 with the post-confinement period with hospitals being still closed to family. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We made an observational study that compares the prevalence of physical restraint in an acute care hospital during the previous period to the alarm state (February 2020) with the second period, when visits where restricted (May 2020). From the clinical history of the patients with physical restraint we collected the following variables: sex, diagnostic, hospital admission unit, reason for using physical restraint, localization, length, type of material, registration in the medical record, information given to the family, alternatives to the physical restraint and injuries related to the physical restraint. RESULTS: We evaluated 690 patients: 388 during the previous period and 320 during the second period. From all patients, 29 needed physical restraint. The use of physical restraint went from 8 (2%) to 21 (7%) (p=0.003). In the second period, a not statistically significant increase in continuous physical restraint was identified compared to the first period. CONCLUSIONS: The physical restraint prevalence has been superior during the second period in which families were not present with the hospitalized patients.

Guía práctica para el manejo de la agitación psicomotora en pediatría / Clinical Guide for the management of psychomotor agitation in pediatrics

La agitación psicomotora es un estado de hiperactividad impulsiva aguda en grados variables, que requiere intervención. Sus manifestaciones abarcan un amplio espectro desde mínima inquietud hasta perturbaciones intensas con grandes movimientos no propositivos o violentos. Datos recientes muestran que aproximadamente 10-20% de los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNA) presenta una patología de la esfera psiquiátrica y/o abuso de sustancias y, en consecuencia, han aumentado las consultas por estos motivos en servicios de urgencia pediátrica. Hasta 1 de cada 15 NNA requiere contención de algún tipo. Las causas de agitación son múltiples y se deben investigar en cada paciente. El objetivo de este trabajo es concientizar al equipo de salud sobre el problema y contribuir a la estandarización del manejo clínico en pediatría. Se describen intervenciones no farmacológicas, contención farmacológica y física, con sus respectivas indicaciones.

Psychomotor agitation is a state of acute impulsive hyperactivity with varying degrees of magnitude that requires intervention. Its manifestations cover a broad spectrum from minimal unrest to intense disturbances with large non-purposeful or violent movements. Recent data show that approximately 10-20% of children and adolescents have a psychiatric disease and/or substance abuse disorder and, consequently, consultations for these reasons have increased in pediatric emergency services. Up to 1 in 15 children require some form of restraint. Causes of agitation are multiple and must be investigated in each patient. The objectives of this review are to improve awareness of the issue to health work-teams and aims at the standardization of its medical management in pediatrics. Non-pharmacological interventions, chemical and physical restraint methods are described, with their respective indications.

La contención mecánica en los cuidados del paciente con trastorno mental: Una aproximación conceptual y crítica / A restrição física nos cuidados do paciente com transtornos do foro psicológico: Uma abordagem conceptual e crítica / The mechanical restraint in the care of the patient with mental disorder: A conceptual and critical approach

INTRODUCCIÓN: La agitación psicomotriz constituye una importante situación de emergencia. Su abordaje va dirigido a la contención de esta conducta mediante la intervención verbal, contención farmacológica, aislamiento y contención mecánica. Esta última consiste en restringir el movimiento de la persona mediante correas comercializadas para ello que tienen por objetivo evitar el daño a el/ella mismo/a y a terceros. A pesar de que la contención mecánica requiere indicación médica, en muchas ocasiones son los profesionales de enfermería quiénes deben decidir si inician o no el proceso. OBJETIVOS: Describir el concepto de contención mecánica en el contexto de la salud mental; analizar críticamente su aplicación y exponer el impacto en el profesional de enfermería. METODOLOGIA: Se realizó un análisis de concepto mediante la revisión de literatura sobre el tema. RESULTADOS: La utilidad por sí sola de la contención mecánica no ha sido demostrable, así pues es una técnica que se utiliza en última instancia, lo que puede generar sentimientos de frustración y culpa en el profesional. La decisión de contener o no a un paciente, a pesar de tomarse por seguridad del mismo y terceros, no está exenta de generar conflictos en el profesional, ya que puede perjudicar la relación terapéutica establecida hasta el momento. CONCLUSIONES: Existen diversas intervenciones encaminadas a la disminución del uso de la contención mecánica, pero sin duda será primordial la formación de los profesionales sobre el manejo y la desescalada de conflictos para dotarlos de herramientas para manejar estas situaciones tan tensas de manera eficaz.

BACKGROUND: Psychomotor agitation is practically the only emergency in psychiatry. Its psychotherapeutic approach is directed towards the containment of this behaviour through verbal de-escalation, pharmacological containment, isolation and mechanical restraint. This last one consists in restricting the person's movements through marketed straps for this application which objective is to avoid any harm towards himself/herself or towards third parties. Although mechanical restraint requires medical indication, nursing professionals are in many cases the ones who must decide whether they start or not this process. AIM: To describe the concept of mechanical restraint in its context of mental health, to critically analyse its application and to reveal its impact on the nursing professional. METHODS: A concept analysis was carried out through a review of literature on the subject. RESULTS: The utility of a mechanical restraint alone has not been proven as it is a technique that is ultimately used, and it can result in feelings of frustration and guilt in the professional. The decision to contain or not a patient, despite of being taken for the safety of that patient and third parties, is not exempt from generating conflicts in the professional since it can harm the therapeutic relationship established so far. CONCLUSIONS: There exist several interventions aimed at reducing the use of mechanical restraints, but training professionals on handling conflicts and its de-escalation will undoubtedly be key to provide them with the tools to handle these tense situations effectively.

INTRODUÇÃO: A agitação psicomotora constitui uma situação de emergência relevante. A abordagem da mesma vai no sentido da redução deste comportamento através da mediação, contenção farmacológica, isolamento e restrição física. Esta consiste em restringir o movimento da pessoa através de cintos comercializados para tal efeito, e tem como objetivo evitar que a pessoa cause danos a si própria e/ou a terceiros. Não obstante o facto de a restrição física estar sujeita a indicação médica, acontece frequentemente serem os profissionais de enfermagem aqueles a quem cabe decidir se dão ou não início ao processo. OBJETIVOS: Descrever o conceito de restrição física no contexto da saúde mental; levar a cabo uma análise da sua aplicação de um ponto de vista crítico, explicar o impacto no profissional de enfermagem. MÉTODOS: Levou-se a cabo uma análise de conceito, através da revisão de bibliografia especializada sobre o tema. RESULTADOS: A utilidade da restrição física, por si só, não ficou demonstrada. É uma medida que se utiliza em última instância, o que pode dar lugar a sentimentos de frustração e culpa no profissional que a aplica. A decisão de se restringir ou não um paciente não é livre de provocar conflitos no profissional, uma vez que tal medida pode prejudicar a relação terapêutica que havia sido estabelecida. CONCLUSÕES: Existem várias medidas no sentido da diminuição do uso da restrição física. Deve ser dada primazia à formação dos profissionais que aplicam as medidas, de forma a provê-los de ferramentas para lidar com estas situações de forma eficaz.

Medidas coercitivas desde el punto de vista psicológico del paciente / Coercive measures from patients' psychological point of view

Introducción: se han hallado dos herramientas de evaluación fiables y válidas que miden las repercusiones psíquicas que las técnicas coercitivas tienen sobre los pacientes mentales. La existencia de estas herramientas habilita la continuidad en la investigación sobre la temática. Objetivo: revisar las preferencias de los pacientes de las instituciones de salud ante las distintas medidas coercitivas. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática en bases de datos digitales y otras fuentes. Se realizó revisión por pares de los trabajos, utilizando como criterio temático de inclusión, la pertinencia en los temas a tratar. Tras el examen del resumen, cuerpo y conclusiones, se seleccionaron aquellos cuyo contenido se refería a: (1) las vivencias de los pacientes y personal cuando se aplicaban las medidas coercitivas; (2) preferencias de los pacientes sobre estas; (3) medidas preventivas; y (4) cuidados necesarios. Desarrollo: Los estudios revisados apuntan al peligro ético que desarrolla el uso o la mala aplicación de estos protocolos coercitivos. Se debe tener en cuenta que la integridad física del personal sanitario también corre peligro en el tratamiento de pacientes psiquiátricos. En esta disyuntiva entre preservación de la dignidad del paciente y seguridad del personal, han sido propuestas diversas medidas tanto accesorias/compensatorias como sustitutivas de estas técnicas perjudiciales para la salud mental de los pacientes. Conclusiones: La comunicación entre el personal que implementa estas medidas y el paciente que las recibe, es esencial para una buena alianza terapéutica y el correcto desarrollo del tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: Two reliable and valid assessment tools have been found that measure the psychic impact of coercive techniques on mental patients. The existence of these tools enables continuity in research on the subject. Objective: This paper reviews the preferences of the patients of the health institutions about different coercive measures. Methods: A systematic bibliographic search was carried out in digital databases and other sources. Peer review of the works was carried out, using as a thematic criterion of inclusion, the relevance in the topics to be treated. After examining the summary, body and conclusions, those whose content referred to were selected: (1) the experiences of the patients and staff when the coercive measures were applied; (2) patients' preferences about these; (3) preventive measures; and (4) necessary care.. Body: The studies reviewed point to the ethical danger that leads to the use or misapplication of these coercive protocols. It should be taken into account that the physical integrity of health personnel is also at risk in the treatment of psychiatric patients. In this dilemma between the preservation of the patient's dignity and the safety of the personnel, various measures have been proposed, both ancillary and compensatory, as well as substitute for these techniques that are detrimental to the mental health of patients. The purpose of these measures is to avoid the use of these coercive techniques. Conclusion: communication between the personnel implementing these measures and the patient receiving them is essential for a good therapeutic alliance and the correct development of the treatment(AU)

[Patient mechanical restraint. Current situation and help for healthcare professionals]. / Contención mecánica de pacientes. Situación actual y ayuda para profesionales sanitarios.

Health care professionals responsible for care of the elderly in the residential environment are anxiously waiting for specific and concrete guidelines in this area, as well as a solid scientific-technical positioning based on the scientific evidence, through which their performances in daily clinical practice can be expressed. After an updated review of the subject, it seeks to answer those questions that undoubtedly arise in the healthcare professional, as regards the mechanical constraints to which they have to resort in clinical practice.

[Medical-legal issues of physical and pharmacological restraint]. / Aspectos medicolegales de la contención física y farmacológica.

The use of physical and pharmacological restraint is controversial but is currently accepted as inevitable. It is indicated for controlling behavioral disorders and psychomotor agitation that put patients and third parties at risk. Its indication should be medical, and we should opt for the least restrictive measure. Restraints represent a possible infringement of patients' fundamental rights and require understanding and strict respect for the medical-legal precepts by physicians and other practitioners involved in its application. This article reviews the current legal framework, as well as the medical-legal premises and aspects of applying restraints, with the objective of ensuring maximum respect for patients' rights and the appropriate legal safety in the activity of practitioners.