The use of restraint for pediatric psychiatric patients in emergency departments.

Objective: To identify current practice and staff education regarding the use of restraint in emergency departments for children undergoing psychiatric evaluations and to compare restraint practice and education in emergency medicine residencies (EMRs) and pediatric emergency medicine fellowships (PEMFs).

Methods: A self-administered survey regarding staff and resident education and the use of restraint for emergency pediatric patients undergoing psychiatric evaluation was mailed to the directors of EMRs and PEMFs. Main outcome measures included frequency of restraint use, staff trained in restraint use, favored positions for physical restraint, and agents regularly used for chemical restraint.