Therapeutic supportive restraint devices as an alternative to traditional manual restraint
Topic Status Complete
Therapeutic supportive restraint devices such as the safety pod, as an alternative to traditional manual restraint across a variety of settings including mental health and emergency services.
Summary
Traditional floor based physical restraint in settings such as mental health settings and emergency services, can lead to adverse events and risks such as pain, unnecessary treatment, and complications. Alternatives include supportive devices such as the safety pod which resembles a large supportive beanbag.
Health Technology Wales researchers searched for evidence on the effectiveness of Safety Pod or similar devices in any setting.
HTW’s Assessment Group decided not to progress the topic further as the evidence base was not sufficient for a full appraisal.
Topic Exploration Report
TER622 02.2026
Health Technology Wales Partners
