[Weighted blankets and vests: safety, efficacy and issues related to their use in different intervention settings]
Beauchamp S
Record ID 32009100324
English, French
Authors' objectives:
The death of a young child with autism following the improper use of a weighted blanket during school time launched an investigation by the coroner who reported the potential dangers of these blankets and the basic rules that should be applied for their safe use. The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) therefore asked AETMIS
to synthesize the evidence on the use of weighted blankets for all potential clients, namely, those with pervasive developmental disorders, mental health disorders, or physical or intellectual disabilities, and frail elderly people. This report also examines the safety and efficacy of weighted vests, given that they appear to be widely used in Québec, especially
with children. It aims to provide the MSSS with a synthesis of the evidence on the topic to allow it to subsequently formulate recommendations on the use of weighted blankets and vests. The approaches or applications underpinning the use of these tools are also examined.
Authors' recommendations:
The scientific evidence available does not allow the possibility of ruling either on the safety or on the efficacy of weighted blankets and vests, given that the existing studies have methodological flaws, especially in terms of conceptual validity and compliance with intervention processes and contexts. However, these tools are used for therapeutic purposes by occupational therapists applying the sensory integration approach or derived applications with some children with disabilities and in various settings such as homes, daycare centres, schools and health and social service institutions. Practice guidelines do not recommend their use. Moreover, no study has addressed their use with frail elderly people.In the absence of evidence-based proof of the efficacy and safety of these tools, but given that they are already being used in Quebec and that their inappropriate use pose risks, AETMIS concludes that, in terms of their safety, and regardless of their target objectives:Weighted blankets and vests should always be used with the informed consent of the wearers or their parents or guardians.Safety rules for their use should be established.These tools should always be used under supervision and following an assessment conducted by a qualified health professional to exclude all possible contraindications.In all publicly funded public and private institutions, these tools should always be used by duly trained educational or social interveners supervised by qualified professionals.Furthermore, to ensure that this method of intervention meets the health and welfare needs of the people affected, the following measures should be taken:The use of weighted blankets or vests for non-therapeutic purposes should be clearly explained to all parties concerned, and the underlying intentions should comply with the laws of Quebec and Canada to exclude any unreasonable punitive behaviour and any unjustified restraint.The use of weighted blankets or vests for therapeutic purposes should be supported by clear and measurable objectives to be included in an individualized intervention plan or service plan.The individualized intervention plan or service plan should include periodic assessments to ascertain whether the target objectives have been achieved and should specify that the use of weighted blankets or vests will be terminated should it not yield the expected benefits.All practitioners who use weighted blankets or vests and all manufacturers should inform their clients (including parents and guardians) that their therapeutic efficacy has not been proven.The use of weighted blankets and vests should never be used in the place of proven, evidence-based interventions.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2010
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Canada
Contact
Organisation Name:
Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé
Contact Address:
2021, avenue Union, Bureau 10.083,Montreal, Quebec H3A S29, Canada.Tel: +1 514 873 2563; Fax: +1 514 873 1369
Contact Name:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Contact Email:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Copyright:
Agence d'Evaluation des Technologies et des Modes d'Intervention en Sante (AETMIS)