Responsibility of the general practitioner

General practitioners should be aware that abuse and trauma can result from the use of restraint or seclusion; trauma can arise regardless of whether restraint or seclusion was authorised in the circumstance or not. See also What to do if you suspect a person with developmental disability is being or has been abused.

Forms of restraint and their use on people with developmental disability are discussed in Forms of restraint and considerations if used for challenging behaviour in a person with developmental disability. Supporting a person during an examination or procedure (eg blood test) using a gentle touch is unlikely to constitute physical restraint, whereas restricting their movement does. For strategies to facilitate physical examination in a person with developmental disability, see Physical examination and investigations.

Restrictive interventions for challenging behaviour should be avoided or minimised. Where restrictive practices have occurred, consider intervention to mitigate longer-term effects in the person with developmental disability (eg counselling).

Regulated restrictive practices may be authorised in limited circumstances in response to behaviour of concern in a person with developmental disability. Restraint used outside of limited authorisations should be reported to the relevant authority; if use is by a service provider, the report should be made to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. If restraint is used by a school or by parents, it may be necessary to alert police or the relevant child protection department.