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Journal Article

Citation

Brown CS, Sheridan RJ. Mil. Med. 2015; 180(6): e721-2.

Affiliation

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, 1555 Gaffney Road, Room 234, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00519

PMID

26032390

Abstract

Unit watch over suicidal patients by nonmedical soldiers is often necessary in a deployed environment, but this strategy's risks may outweigh its benefits in a garrison environment. This case study illustrates risks of unit watches that are difficult for medical personnel to effectively mitigate. The suicidal soldier in question was placed on a unit watch in lieu of psychiatric hospitalization, utilizing a plan agreed upon by all parties. However, within 2 days, the plan had degenerated to an unacceptable degree. A commander is always legally responsible for subordinate soldiers' conduct, but from a patient safety perspective, medical professionals must account for the inevitable periods of decreased oversight within a unit. Medical professionals who recommend a unit watch must consider the risks associated with this course of action, including instances such as the error chain detailed in this case.


Language: en

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