What is elopement in the context of healthcare?

Elopement in the context of healthcare refers to an unplanned departure from care, particularly in settings such as hospitals or nursing facilities. It is a significant concern as it can lead to various safety risks for patients, especially those who may be vulnerable due to medical conditions, cognitive impairments, or mental health issues.

When a patient elopes, they leave the facility without the knowledge or permission of healthcare staff, which can result in dangerous situations, including exposure to adverse environmental conditions, the risk of accidents, or the abandonment of necessary medical treatment. Addressing elopement involves implementing safety protocols and monitoring systems to better protect patients and ensure they are receiving the care they need.

The other options refer to different concepts: psychological therapy addresses mental health through various therapeutic techniques, medication administration involves safely delivering drugs to patients, and involuntary physical restraint pertains to methods used to restrict a patient's movement for safety purposes, but all these are distinct from the definition of elopement.