Emotional Response of ICU Patients'Family toward Physical Restraints

SICU, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, KoreaPurpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the emotional response of family members of physically restrained patients in the intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: The study subjects were 200 family members of ICU patients who had been on physical restraints in two university hospitals. Data were collected using the "Instrument of family's emotional response toward physically restrained patients". Results: The mean score of familial emotional response was 2.69 out of a possible 5. The subcategory of acceptance was the highest with 3.56 points followed by depression (3.02), helplessness (2.94), anxiety (2.87), shock (2.74), avoidance (2.64), and grudge (2.08). Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that the age of family members, side effects of restraints, and information provision were the variables influencing on negative emotional response of family. Conclusion: Family members showed slightly negative emotional response toward the physical restraints. This finding could be influenced by their limited knowledge of t he need for the restraints. Educational programs or fact sheets to be given to family members may be helpful.