Factors associated with the use of mechanical restraint in disability services

Background Mechanical restraint refers to the use of materials or devices to restrict the behaviours of a person with a disability, where the restraint is neither for therapeutic purposes or required by law. The inappropriate use of mechanical restraint is recognised in legislation and policy as a violation of people’s human rights, and a risk to their health and wellbeing. Understanding who is at risk of mechanical restraint may assist service providers to better support people with a disability. Method State-wide data collected between July 2012 to June 2013 were sourced. Odds ratios were used to describe the associations between individual characteristics and whether an individual was subjected to mechanical restraint. Results Individuals with certain characteristics, such as the presence of a hearing, physical, neurological, communication or visual impairment, and autism spectrum disorder had an increased likelihood of being mechanically restrained. Conclusion Initiatives to reduce mechanical restraint should pay particular attention to the support needs of those with sensory impairments and complex communication support needs including those with autism spectrum disorder and those with a physical impairment.