Absconding from a psychiatric hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: Are we seeing a decrease since the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act?
South African Journal of Psychiatry
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Absconding from a psychiatric hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: Are we seeing a decrease since the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act? | |
| Creator | Arbee, Feroza Subramaney, Ugasvaree | |
| Description | Background: Absconding from psychiatric facilities, the aetiology and impact of which have major socio-economic implications, has a multifactorial aetiological basis. Absconding patients are at higher risk of self-harm, violence, non-adherence, relapses, substance use and negative media attention. Most health professionals associate absconding with the escape of potentially dangerous psychiatric patients. Absconding causes fear and uncertainty, and portrays psychiatric services negatively. Identification of potential absconders would assist with risk assessment and prevention.Aim: The aim of this study was to formulate an absconding rate as well as a descriptive profile of absconders since the inception of democracy and deinstitutionalisation.Setting: The study was conducted at Sterkfontein Hospital, a specialised psychiatric hospital outside Johannesburg.Methods: A retrospective record review of absconders from Sterkfontein Hospital in Johannesburg over 1 year was conducted.Results: The absconding rate was 7.83%. The characteristics of the typical absconder included single, unemployed male, early 30s, known to psychiatric services, diagnosed with schizophrenia and co-morbid substance use. An absconder is more likely to be a forensic patient not returning from official leave of absence.Conclusion: The absconding rate has decreased to less than half that of a previous study, and is within international norms. While the descriptive profile is of limited value, it does appear that psychiatric patients are being treated in a less restrictive manner resulting in fewer absconders and a change in the method of absconding. The implications for clinical practice are firstly that a clearer definition of the term absconding is needed as this will impact risk assessment and management. It is recommended that future studies separate forensic and general populations. Lastly, the formulation and use of a risk assessment tool may be of value. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2019-12-04 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v25i0.1338 | |
| Source | South African Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 25 (2019); 6 pages 2078-6786 1608-9685 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1338/1601
https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1338/1600
https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1338/1602
https://sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/1338/1599
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