People with dementia are being routinely subjected to restraints and non-consensual sedation in hospitals across England, according to the first study of its kind. Researchers found that restrictive practices such as raised bedside rails, blocked doors and pathways, and physical interventions have become an 'embedded aspect of routine ward care'.
The study, led by academics at the University of West London, involved 225 days of observation across nine NHS wards and more than 1,000 interviews with healthcare professionals. It revealed that many staff did not perceive these actions as restrictive due to their widespread use, questioning how else they could keep patients safe without harming themselves or others.
Professor Andy Northcott, lead author, said: 'Once a person with dementia is admitted for anything, they're essentially expected to stay in bed and there's a series of subtle to quite overt restrictive practices used to ensure the hospital can manage around them.' He noted that while these measures are intended to be in the patient's best interest, they often cause agitation and distress.
Andy Woodhead, who has vascular dementia, described being confined to bed and made to feel 'a bit of a nuisance' during a hospital stay after a fall. The report recommends alternatives such as supported walking, personal care assistance, and engaging patients in conversation to reduce reliance on restrictive practices.
Paul Edwards of Dementia UK said the findings reflect a system under pressure where staff lack time and specialist knowledge. An NHS England spokesperson emphasised that restrictive practices should only be used as a last resort, and that guidance exists to promote least restrictive care.
