A content analysis of state hospital policies on sex between inpatients.
Eighty-one state psychiatric hospitals in 16 states were surveyed about whether they had policies on sex between inpatients. Thirty-one hospitals responded by sending a copy of their policies, which were analyzed for explicit definitions and distinctions between various sexual behaviors; for the presence and content of statements about patients' rights and personal autonomy, duty to protect, competency to consent, and staff guidance and education; and for instructions on the management of sexual incidents. Fourteen of the 31 policies explicitly forbade inpatient sex; 12 stressed patient autonomy. Only five specified that staff should receive special training. The results indicate that hospitals vary widely in their attention and management approach to inpatients' sexual behavior.
Buckley
P F
PF
Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
Robben
T
T
D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006783:Hospitals, State / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D016134:Organizational Policy; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014481:United States