Tying down ICU patients less often may fight dangerous confusion

This study tested whether using physical wrist restraints only when absolutely necessary, rather than routinely, could help reduce delirium in intensive care patients on breathing machines. Over 400 adult patients expected to need ventilation for at least two days were randomly assigned to either the restrictive or routine restraint approach. The main goal was to see which method resulted in more days free of the severe confusion known as ICU delirium.