Restraining and sedating dementia patients ‘routine’ in hospitals in England, study finds

A recent study by the University of West London found that restrictive practices, including restraints and non-consensual sedation, are routinely used on dementia patients in English hospitals. The research, based on observations and interviews across nine NHS wards, revealed that staff often view these practices as necessary for patient safety and management, despite potential negative impacts. These practices range from raising bed rails and blocking pathways to verbal commands and physical interventions. Researchers noted that many staff did not perceive these actions as restrictive due to their common use. The study highlights a challenge in balancing patient safety with the well-being and rights of individuals living with dementia during hospital admissions, which can account for up to 50% of all acute hospital admissions.

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