title: Patient allegations of sexual abuse against psychiatric hospital staff.
abstract: In order to determine prevalence and characteristics of patient allegations of sexual abuse against psychiatric hospital staff and to illustrate the impact of allegations on a unit, we surveyed 255 directors of psychiatric units. We requested detailed descriptions of one or two incidents and report a clinical vignette. Thirty-six percent of the programs reported patient allegations of sexual abuse by a staff member during 1985-1991. Allegations represented a wide range of unit types and patient characteristics. We conclude that patient allegations of staff sexual abuse, which have powerful effects on those involved, are not isolated, rare events. Procedural recommendations to address allegations are made.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Saint Louis University, School of Medicine, MO.
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Berland
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Guskin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011902:Rape / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012308:Risk Management / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017406:Sexual Harassment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology