Aspectos medicolegales de la contención física y farmacológicaMedical-legal issues of physical and pharmacological restraint

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Resumen

El uso de la contención física y farmacológica resulta controvertido, pero se acepta hoy en día como inevitable, encontrándose indicado en el control de las alteraciones de conducta y la agitación psicomotriz con riesgo para el paciente o para terceros. Su indicación ha de ser médica y optar por la medida que resulte menos restrictiva. Potencialmente, las contenciones suponen una vulneración de derechos fundamentales del paciente y precisan el conocimiento y respeto estricto de los preceptos medicolegales por parte de los facultativos y demás profesionales implicados en su aplicación. El presente artículo revisa el marco legal actual, así como las premisas y aspectos medicolegales de aplicación en las contenciones, con el objetivo de garantizar el máximo respeto a los derechos de los pacientes y la adecuada seguridad jurídica en la actuación de los profesionales.

Abstract

The use of physical and pharmacological restraint is controversial but is currently accepted as inevitable. It is indicated for controlling behavioral disorders and psychomotor agitation that put patients and third parties at risk. Its indication should be medical, and we should opt for the least restrictive measure. Restraints represent a possible infringement of patients’ fundamental rights and require understanding and strict respect for the medical-legal precepts by physicians and other practitioners involved in its application. This article reviews the current legal framework, as well as the medical-legal premises and aspects of applying restraints, with the objective of ensuring maximum respect for patients’ rights and the appropriate legal safety in the activity of practitioners.

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