Love and Sexual Relationships Between Patients in Short Term Psychiatric Units: the Caregivers' Opinion

The management of romantic and sexual relationships between inpatients in short-term psychiatric units is a controversial subject among caregivers. Not all units have policies, and the content of said policies can be unclear or even incoherent. The lack of clear policy leaves the caregivers without guidelines and can lead to a diverging management depending on personal values.

A survey based on the current literature distributed among 69 caregivers of 20 short-term psychiatric units in French-Speaking Belgium. The survey included socio-demographic characteristics, questions about the existence, knowledge, and content of policy.

Policies about romantic relationships exist for 51.5% of caregivers and 75% about sexual intercourse. The main content of policies is a ban on relations. Surprisingly, the study highlights the absence of staff consensus for most units on the existence and content of policies. Furthermore, while most caregivers consistently adhere to policies, 31% of caregivers for romantic relationships and 14% for sexual intercourse, never apply the rules in any situation.

There's a lack of policy, knowledge of policy and application. Discussion about the creation of policy could be implemented during team meetings to allow the caregivers to develop new protocols about romantic or sexual relationships, more aligned to their moral compass and personal beliefs.