Preventive aggression devices (PADS): ambulatory restraints as an alternative to seclusion.

The authors introduce an ambulatory restraint procedure developed for a specialized inpatient unit with repetitively aggressive patients. Preventive Aggression Devices (PADS) reduce the length and frequency of seclusion and humanely foster a safer, more therapeutic environment for patients requiring a highly controlled environment. Indications and contraindications for PADS are listed, and criteria for their use are described.