Elopement risk
Patient's propensity to leave a psychiatric facility without permission or proper discharge, requiring specific safety protocols and monitoring measures.
Full Definition
Elopement risk refers to a patient's assessed likelihood of leaving a psychiatric facility without permission, proper discharge procedures, or adequate safety planning. This risk assessment considers factors such as cognitive impairment, psychosis, impulsivity, substance use, and previous elopement attempts. Patients identified as elopement risks require enhanced monitoring, restricted access to exits, frequent safety checks, and specialized care planning to prevent unsafe departures. Elopement incidents can result in serious harm to patients and significant liability for facilities. Risk assessment tools help staff identify vulnerable patients and implement appropriate preventive measures, which may include constant observation, locked unit placement, or electronic monitoring systems.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'elopement risk' over informal terms like 'flight risk' in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's elopement risk increased after expressing desire to leave AMA during psychotic episode." — Nursing assessment
- "Enhanced elopement risk protocols were implemented following the patient's previous attempt to leave the unit." — Safety care plan