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Absconding: how and when patients leave the ward
1St Bartholomew School of Nursing and Midwifery, City University, London, UK.
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
|January 14, 2000
Summary
Most psychiatric patients abscond directly from acute wards, often via the front door, even when their intentions are known. Prevention requires more than physical security, emphasizing supportive nurse-patient relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Criminology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Patient absconding from acute psychiatric wards is a significant concern.
- Understanding the patterns and circumstances of absconding is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns and characteristics of patient absconding from acute psychiatric wards.
- To identify key factors and times associated with absconding incidents.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale study of absconding incidents was conducted in the East End of London.
- Data collection likely involved patient records, staff reports, and potentially interviews.
Main Results:
- The majority of absconds occurred directly from the ward, often through the main entrance.
- Many absconders had expressed intentions to leave and some circumvented security measures.
- Absconding peaked during shift handovers and within the first few weeks of admission.
- Most patients returned home and resumed normal activities.
Conclusions:
- Physical security measures alone are insufficient for preventing patient absconding.
- Developing strong, supportive alliances between nurses and patients is essential for reducing absconding incidents.
- Addressing factors like shift changes and early admission periods may improve ward safety.