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.

中文翻译：

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从南非约翰内斯堡的一家精神病院潜逃：自《精神保健法》实施以来，我们是否看到有所减少？

背景 从精神病院潜逃，其病因和影响具有重大的社会经济影响，具有多因素的病因学基础。潜逃患者自残、暴力、不依从、复发、药物滥用和负面媒体关注的风险更高。大多数卫生专业人员将潜逃与潜在危险的精神病患者的逃脱联系起来。潜逃会导致恐惧和不确定性，并对精神科服务造成负面影响。识别潜在的潜逃者将有助于风险评估和预防。目的 本研究的目的是制定自民主和去机构化开始以来的潜逃率以及潜逃者的描述性概况。设置 该研究在斯泰克方丹医院进行，约翰内斯堡郊外的一家专门的精神病院。方法 对约翰内斯堡斯泰克方丹医院 1 年多来的逃跑者进行回顾性记录审查。结果潜逃率为7.83%。典型的潜逃者的特征包括单身、失业男性、30 岁出头、接受过精神科服务、被诊断患有精神分裂症和并存物质滥用。潜逃者更有可能是法医病人，没有休完正式假回来。结论 潜逃率下降到不到之前研究的一半，并且在国际标准范围内。虽然描述性概况的价值有限，但确实表明精神病患者正在以较少限制的方式接受治疗，从而导致更少的潜逃者和潜逃方法的改变。对临床实践的影响首先是需要对潜逃一词进行更明确的定义，因为这将影响风险评估和管理。建议未来的研究将法医和一般人群分开。最后，风险评估工具的制定和使用可能是有价值的。