Constant Observation in the general hospital: a review.
The role of Constant Observation (COb) in the general hospital is addressed. The difficulties of managing acute psychological disturbance in the general hospital are described. Concerns about confused behavior and suicidal risk appear to be the most common reasons for ordering COb. Organic brain syndrome is the most common diagnosis made in patients receiving COb. Medico-legal, ethical and therapeutic aspects of COb are noted. To our knowledge there is no research evidence that COb significantly decreases the rate of suicide in the general hospital. It appears that the role of COb is enshrined in the general hospital as a result of medico-legal process in addition to its therapeutic role. Further research in this area is needed.
Department of Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. psychiatry@szmc.org.il
Sol
S
Jaworowski
David
D
Raveh
Elisabeth
E
Lobel
Arik
A
Fuer
Cornelius
C
Gropp
Joseph
J
Mergui
D000208:Acute Disease; D003068:Coercion; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D017751:Safety Management / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013405:Suicide / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014754:Violence / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention