Patient Wandering Risk Audit

Inspection template for assessing patient wandering and elopement risk controls, including ID wristbands, alarm systems, door delay settings, and exit barriers.

Audit Details

• Inspection date and time recorded
• Unit, neighborhood, or area inspected identified
• Inspector name and role documented
• Applicable patient population or risk profile identified

Patient Identification Controls

• At-risk patients have ID wristbands applied and legible
• Wristband information matches the patient record and current identity
• Wristbands are secured and not easily removed without staff intervention
• High-risk patients are visibly flagged in the care system or unit workflow per policy
• Staff can describe the process for identifying and escalating a missing patient event

Alarm and Door Control Systems

• Exit door alarms activate when doors are opened or breached
• Alarm audibility is sufficient to be heard in the monitored area
• Door delay settings match facility policy and are not bypassed
• Alarm reset or silencing controls are restricted to authorized staff
• Alarm system is powered and functioning without active trouble indicators
• Recent alarm tests are documented per schedule

Exit Barriers and Physical Safeguards

• Exit barriers, controlled access doors, or delayed egress devices are present where required
• Barrier hardware is intact, unobstructed, and not propped open
• Delayed egress or exit control devices appear compliant with applicable life-safety requirements and AHJ approval
• Emergency release or fail-safe function is available and unobstructed

Staff Response and Monitoring

• Staff know the immediate response steps for a wandering or elopement alert
• Rounding or observation frequency for at-risk patients is documented and followed
• Escalation pathway for missing patient events is posted or readily available
• Communication handoff includes wandering/elopement risk status when applicable

Documentation and Corrective Actions

• Deficiencies documented with location, condition, and observed impact
• Immediate corrective actions assigned with owner and due date
• Follow-up inspection or verification date scheduled when needed
• Inspector signature completed