Mechanical contention (MC) is a restrictive, vital but controversial measure, prescribed in the majority of EU countries to handle patients with psycho-motor agitation that do not respond to other types of intervention, with an imminent risk of physical violence and aggression involved.
In Figure 1 the belt equipment used is shown, which is always done so under strict regulations. This measure is used to a greater or lesser extent and within a variable period of time in the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU). Nevertheless, it must be emphasised that MC is also used on patients suffering from severe psychomotor agitation in the other units of hospitals (geriatrics, internal medicine, etc.) along with people treated by other care services.
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