The practice of containment in the elderly: An integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the literature evidence on the practice of containment in the elderly. Methods: Integrative literature review, searching for primary studies published from 2013 to 2017, conducted in the electronic databases of LILACS and MEDLINE, in the months of May and June of 2018. The searches were obtained by crossing the descriptors and words: Containment; restriction; physical restraint; and elderly. Results: A total of 17 articles were included, and the analysis indicated that the available evidence in the literature reports to the practice of restraints in the daily life of the elderly, the consequences for use of restraints in the elderly, and alternative techniques to the use of restraints. Conclusion: The use of restraints, mainly physical and chemical, is permeated by a higher probability of cognitive decline of the elderly, as well as physical and psychological health consequences, and can even result in death. Intervention programs and policies designed to reduce the use of restraints in the elderly are shown as alternative strategies, contributing to the qualifi cation of care.