elopement
Unauthorized departure of a psychiatric patient from a healthcare facility or treatment setting.
Full Definition
The act of a psychiatric patient leaving a healthcare facility, treatment program, or supervised setting without proper authorization or discharge procedures. Elopement presents significant safety risks, particularly for patients who are confused, disoriented, or actively suicidal. Healthcare facilities must have protocols for preventing elopement and procedures for locating patients who have eloped. Documentation must carefully record the circumstances of the elopement and any search efforts undertaken to ensure patient safety.
Usage
Usage note: In psychiatric contexts, this term specifically refers to unauthorized departure, not the romantic meaning of elopement.
In Context
- "The patient's elopement from the psychiatric unit triggered an immediate search protocol and notification of local authorities." — Incident report
- "Staff implemented enhanced elopement precautions after the patient expressed desire to leave against medical advice." — Nursing care plan