Clements, Gerrit W.

Objective: This paper describes the need for and development of a policy on patient sexuality implemented at a provincial psychiatric hospital. Method: The need for a policy was assessed by reviewing the literature and interviewing a sample of chronic psychiatric patients. Development of the policy involved surveying 38 Canadian psychiatric hospitals in search of an existing policy to use as a model, as well as soliciting input from a variety of stakeholders and 2 lawyers. Results: Both the literature review and patient interviews indicated that a substantial number of hospitalized chronic psychiatric patients are sexually active. Neither the literature nor the survey of Canadian psychiatric hospitals revealed an existing policy to use as a model. Consequently, a policy was drafted by a task force composed of stakeholders and 2 lawyers. Characteristics of the policy, possibly the first in Canada, are described. The legal basis for the sexual rights of patients is discussed, and the mechanisms for protecting patients from harm are also described. Conclusion: Fundamentally, a policy must balance the patient's right to sexual intimacy in a dignified setting with the hospital administration's duty to take reasonable steps to protect patients from harm.

The chapter, "Developing and implementing a policy for consensual sex between inpatients" was written by the listed authors including Steven Welch (Douglas College Faculty).<p>Part of the "Chronic Mental Illness" series (Volume 7).<p>Sexuality and Serious Mental Illness is the first book to draw together the collective wisdom and experience of clinicians, advocates, consumers, researchers, legal experts and administrators. The research reflects a current understanding of the complexities of sexual activity among persons with chronic mental illness in a variety of settings. Sexuality and Serious Mental Illness is particularly timely in view of recent emphases on patient choice, recovery and advocacy, and can be used to provide guidance to clinicians, mental health administrators, policymakers, advocates and researchers. --From publisher description.