Patient elopement is the patient’s departure without permission beyond the facility, which places the patient at risk of injury or death. Those at risk for elopement include patients with dementia, young patients with persistent mental illness, individuals with a family history of abuse, those exhibiting or having a history of violent behavior, and those who have been involuntarily hospitalized.
A comprehensive initial assessment by qualified professionals can identify problems that could lead to elopement due to an individual’s behavioral disorder, cognitive impairment, fear, poor judgment, or lack of insight. Because of these problems, the individual is at greater risk of harm if he or she leaves the facility’s protective environment.
Reassessments also give health care providers the opportunity to observe and note any changes in conditions that might increase the risk of elopement. Changes in mental status can be a predictor of dangerous behavior, such as elopement.
The VA National Center for Patient Safety uses the following questions to identify patients at risk for elopement:
Does the patient have a court-appointed legal guardian?
Is the patient considered a danger to him or herself or others?
Has the patient been legally committed?
Does the patient lack the cognitive ability to make relevant decisions?
Does the patient have a history of escape or elopement?
Does the patient have physical or mental impairment that increases his or her risk of harm to him or herself or to others?
Source: Joint Commission Resources (Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
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