Delirium and Physical Restraints in Critically Ill Patients: Addressing Their Relationship From the Perspective of Patient Comfort

Acute confusional syndrome (delirium) is a condition that is observed with notable frequency in intensive care units, particularly in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. It has significant short-, medium-, and long-term consequences for the individual and is a critical issue that must be addressed from a preventive perspective, with early identification and intervention. The use of physical restraints is an intervention linked to delirium. On the one hand, their use constitutes a modifiable risk factor for the development of delirium. On the other hand, their use, always judicious, individualized, and monitored, may be indicated in some episodes of delirium that involve agitation (always with a commitment to promoting therapeutic spaces free of physical restraints). This article addresses the relationship between delirium and physical restraints from the perspective of Kolcaba's Comfort Theory and with an applied vision to guide the practice of person- and family-centered excellence in care.