Hospitalization

When sufficient care and safety cannot be achieved as an outpatient, it may be appropriate to admit a patient into a hospital or some other institution where they may receive the appropriate care and treatment. Admission to a hospital may be elective or urgent, voluntary or involuntary, for shorter or longer stays. In most countries, there are comprehensive laws and regulations for hospital admissions that define the rights of the patient and the duties of the healthcare institution. When a patient is involuntarily admitted because they refuse voluntary admission, or because they are deemed incapable of making informed decisions and providing informed consent, they will usually be represented by a lawyer or some other advocate that is designated to protect the patient's rights. Being an inpatient allows for thorough observation of the patient, intensive treatment and monitoring, and measures to keep the patient safe from suicide and self-harm, or inflicting harm to others by violence.