What is elopement in a healthcare context?

Elopement in a healthcare context refers specifically to residents who leave a facility without permission, thus creating a potential risk for their safety and well-being. This term is often used in settings such as nursing homes or psychiatric facilities, where monitoring residents is crucial to prevent them from wandering away and becoming lost or unsafe.

Understanding elopement is important for healthcare providers because it emphasizes the need for proper supervision and security measures to protect vulnerable populations. Discharge, transfers, or field trips are organized and controlled processes that typically involve staff awareness and consent, whereas elopement indicates a breach of protocol and an unplanned absence that can have serious implications for patient care and safety.