Document Detail


Development of a policy on sexuality for hospitalized chronic psychiatric patients.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  8793146     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the need for and development of a policy on patient sexuality implemented at a provincial psychiatric hospital. METHOD: The need for a policy was assessed by reviewing the literature and interviewing a sample of chronic psychiatric patients. Development of the policy involved surveying 38 Canadian psychiatric hospitals in search of an existing policy to use as a model, as well as soliciting input from a variety of stakeholders and 2 lawyers. RESULTS: Both the literature review and patient interviews indicated that a substantial number of hospitalized chronic psychiatric patients are sexuality active. Neither the literature nor the survey of Canadian psychiatric hospitals revealed an existing policy to use as a model. Consequently, a policy was drafted by a task force composed of stakeholders and 2 lawyers. Characteristics of the policy, possibly the first in Canada, are described. The legal basis for the sexual rights of patients is discussed, and the mechanisms for protecting patients from harm are also described. CONCLUSION: Fundamentally, a policy must balance the patient's right to sexual intimacy in a dignified setting with the hospital administration's duty to take reasonable steps to protect patients from harm.
Authors:
S J Welch; G W Clements
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie     Volume:  41     ISSN:  0706-7437     ISO Abbreviation:  Can J Psychiatry     Publication Date:  1996 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1996-12-05     Completed Date:  1996-12-05     Revised Date:  2007-08-01    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7904187     Medline TA:  Can J Psychiatry     Country:  CANADA    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  273-9     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Riverview Hospital, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Canada
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Hospitals, Psychiatric
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders / psychology*,  rehabilitation
Middle Aged
Organizational Policy*
Personality Assessment
Sex Education*
Sexual Behavior*
Social Environment

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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