Absconding by patients from psychiatric hospital

Abstract

Absconding by patients from acute psychiatric wards is a high risk behavior profile in mental medical centers. Being admitted to an acute ward is a stressful event for the patient, accompanied by pathological psychiatric symptomatology, separation from family and familiar environment, adjustment to the environs of ward, the treatment process itself and the loss of autonomy over everyday life. Absconding by patients presents a legal, social and treatment challenge for caregivers. Absconding means abrupt stopping of medication and therapeutic processes, need for police and legal systems interference and worry for the family. Moreover, absconding disposes major safety issues for the patient and his surroundings.This abstract summarizes prospective study in two mental health centers. Every absconding was mapped within 48 hours of occurrence. Mapping was carried out by a trained team member filling out a structured form.Study goal: Collecting data and identifying absconders' characteristics, comparing absconders' data from the two centers, pointing out significant ward or hospital variables affecting absconding and comparing patient and staff apprehension of the event.Results:The study collected data of 143 absconding patients, 33% of whom were in confined hospitalization. Most of them were young, single and of low socioeconomic status. Most escaped in the evening shift. There were no significant differences in patient variables between the 2 hospitals. Previous hospitalizations was higher in one of the hospitals (t=2.568, p= .013). There were more staff members in one of the hospitals (t=4.016, p<.0001). There were no difference between the day and the absconding shift.

Emergency psychiatric services in Roozbeh Hospital: A qualitative study of the staff's experiences

“…Fear concerning patient absconding is one issue reported widely across staff members and families. Patient absconding presents a legal and social challenge for caregivers that leaves staff with a sense of anger, embarrassment, and failure. Utilizing trained personnel and guards and administrating technologies such as video monitoring can help with better safety and risk management.…”