Abscond and Treatment Refusal course for Nurses

This session provides worked examples of cases where patients have refused treatment or threatened to leave the hospital. It considers what action can be taken by healthcare professionals to treat such patients safely and within the law. It covers the assessment of capacity and the treatment of patients under the Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Recognise the principles behind informed consent to medical treatment and decision-making capacity
• Identify personal and environmental factors which may affect people's willingness to stay or accept treatment
• Describe approaches which help minimise the need for coercion or forcible treatment
• Explain the legal frameworks available when it appears to be necessary to offer treatment, despite objections
• Explain the legal frameworks available when it appears necessary to prevent somebody leaving hospital