The Role of Racial-Ethnic and Sex Differences Among Providers and Patients in the use of Physical Restrains (H-50633)

Background: Race and sex-based biases have been found to occur in healthcare, these biases ultimately effect the care that patients receive. Previous studies have found differences in wait time and triage level in the Emergency Department based on rate. An understudied area is utilization of physical restraints for agitation in the Emergency Department. Physical restraints can have significant physical and psychological effects on staff and patients. To date, studies on the disparities of restraints use have focused on the role of the patient's race, ethnicity, sex, and other demographic variables. However,no studies have elucidated the use of physical restraints with regards to the physician-patient racial, ethnic or sex differences. Vulnerable populations (i.e. patients with mental health disorders including substance use disorders) are more likely to undergo restraints, and identifying the role of provider-patient race, ethnicity and sex differences may highlight areas for improvement and guide solutions to address health inequities. 

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if there are provider-based demographic differences in the use of physical restraints for patients in the emergency room department.

Project status: Enrolling

Coordinator Role: screen, consent, enroll and collect data.

Open to students: Yes