Applying physical restraints (PR) has detrimental short- and long-term effects on patients and is increasingly seen as inhumane and outdated. Nonetheless, PR are still used in approximately 20-25% of all patients during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the Netherlands. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a person-centered multicomponent intervention (MCI) program consisting of non-pharmacological interventions combined with goal directed light sedation using dexmedetomidine compared to the old standard of care including physical restraints on short- and long-term outcomes and healthcare costs in (expected to become) agitated adult ICU patients.
Despite deleterious effects, physical restraints are still commonly used in (expected to become) agitated patients in Dutch ICUs (20-25%). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a person-centered multicomponent intervention (MCI) program consisting of non-pharmacological interventions combined with goal directed light sedation using dexmedetomidine compared to the old standard of care including physical restraints in (expected to become) agitated adult ICU patients.