When Should Inpatient Psychiatric Care Include Access to the Outdoors, Despite Elopement or Other Risks?

Abstract

This commentary on a case considers consequences of a so-called "zero-risk" paradigm now common in psychiatric inpatient decision making. Iatrogenic harms of this approach must be balanced against promoting patients' safety and well-being. This article suggests how to collaboratively assess risk and draw on recovery-oriented goals of care.