elopement
Unauthorized departure of a patient from a behavioral health facility without formal discharge, triggering immediate safety protocols.
Full Definition
The unauthorized leaving of a patient from a psychiatric facility, residential treatment center, or other behavioral health setting without permission and without going through proper discharge procedures. Elopement is considered a safety incident that triggers immediate response protocols including patient location efforts, risk assessment, and notification procedures. It differs from discharge against medical advice in that the patient leaves without informing staff or completing any discharge process.
Usage
Usage note: In behavioral health contexts, refers specifically to unauthorized departure from facilities, not to marriage.
In Context
- "The elopement protocol was activated immediately when the patient was discovered missing from the unit." — Incident report
- "Environmental modifications were implemented following the elopement risk assessment." — Safety committee minutes