Restraint of adults with intellectual disabilities: A critical review of the prevalence and characteristics associated with its use.

BACKGROUND: As part of their care, adults with intellectual disabilities are often subject to restrictive interventions including restraint.

METHOD: A review examining the prevalence of restraint use with people with intellectual disabilities and the characteristics associated with its use.

RESULTS: The seven papers identified used quantitative methodologies and had cross-sectional designs. Prevalence rates of restraint ranged from 11% to 78%, multiple forms of restraint were common. Most studies focused on characteristics within the person with an intellectual disability, three considered external factors. Challenging behaviour was the most consistent characteristic associated with the use of restraint, but how this was defined varied.

CONCLUSIONS: The review highlights a need for more consistent means of defining and measuring restraint and its associated characteristics. Future research into this area may also want to focus on the context of restraint such as whether it is the least restrictive option used.