Frequency of use and characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities subject to physical interventions

Background: The use of physical intervention (PI) with people with intellectual disabilities continues to cause concern. This study sought to clarify the frequency and circumstances of PI use and gather data on the characteristics of individuals subject to PI.

Method:Data on individuals subject to PI were gathered by postal questionnaire completed by service providers from three samples: people who (a) had attended a PI conference and/or purchased a PI policy document; (b) operated in a specific geographical area of England and (c) operated specialist assessment and treatment settings for children/adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the UK.

Results: Frequent PI use was reported. Restraint was most commonly reported - monthly or more frequently with most individuals. Overall, those receiving PI were more likely to be young, male, not legally restricted and identified as having an autistic spectrum disorder than those who did not receive PI.

Conclusions: The relatively frequent use of PI is consistent with routine rather than last resort use. Such use carries risk of physical and psychological damage. Service providers should systematically reduce the frequency of use of PI.