OUTLINE

Introduction

Definition of terms

Causes of patients abscondment

Negative effects of abscondee cases to the hospital, patients and patients relatives.

The role of social worker in handling absondee cases

How to address cases of abcondees

Recommendation

Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Over the years issues of patients absconding from the wards have become a major concern to the hospital management and patients relatives.

It is always worrisome to hear from patients relatives that patients who was admitted in less than one week into the ward will suddenly be seen at home, not because the patient was granted trial leave nor parole, but absconded from the ward.

Although, the management and ward managers are not relenting in their efforts to ensuring the safety and security of all patients in the hospital. At times, most of the patients relatives or some staff do wonder how patients abscond from the wards that is supposed to be secured.

But the truth of the matter is that it does occur because hospital wards are not prison yard where you have high perimeter fencing that prevents inmates from escaping.