Dennis Brumbles1, Adina Meister. 1. Department of Behavioral Health, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. dbrumbles@umm.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Elopement is a problem in the inpatient mental health community. Elopement can have serious and long term effects for the patients and staff. OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this paper are to present a review of the literature regarding elopement and to provide recommendation for practice. DESIGN: Using several databases, a search of the existing literature was conducted. RESULTS: Elopement occurs due to a number of factors, including: psychosocial issues, staff-patient interaction, the patient's attitude toward hospitalization, and their mental illness. CONCLUSION: It is important to understand why patients seek to elope from treatment facilities to prevent further occurrences.
BACKGROUND: Elopement is a problem in the inpatient mental health community. Elopement can have serious and long term effects for the patients and staff. OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this paper are to present a review of the literature regarding elopement and to provide recommendation for practice. DESIGN: Using several databases, a search of the existing literature was conducted. RESULTS: Elopement occurs due to a number of factors, including: psychosocial issues, staff-patient interaction, the patient's attitude toward hospitalization, and their mental illness. CONCLUSION: It is important to understand why patients seek to elope from treatment facilities to prevent further occurrences.