Preventing Patient Absconding and Wandering in Hospitals and Care Homes

Every year, hospitals and care facilities face the serious challenge of patient absconding (AWOL incidents) - when vulnerable individuals leave wards or premises without authorisation. These incidents put patients at risk, increase staff stress, and can have significant legal and reputational consequences for healthcare providers.

At Xtag Medical, we provide a proven Absconding Prevention System designed to safeguard vulnerable patients in hospitals, A&E departments, mental health units, and care homes. Our intelligent monitoring solution helps prevent wandering, absconding, and AWOL events before they happen.

Understanding the Risk: What is Patient Absconding (AWOL)

Patient absconding, also known as AWOL (Absent Without Leave), refers to a patient leaving a ward, hospital, or care facility without permission or supervision.
It is particularly common in:

• A&E and hospital wards, where confused or disoriented patients may wander.
• Mental health and dementia units, where cognitive impairment increases risk.
• Care homes, where staff-to-patient ratios make constant supervision difficult.

These incidents not only jeopardise patient safety but also create urgent response requirements, safeguarding reports, and potential CQC concerns.

How the Xtag Absconding Prevention System Works

Xtag Medical’s system uses discreet wearable tags that continuously communicate with sensors installed around key exit points and restricted areas.

When a tagged patient approaches an exit or attempts to leave an unauthorised zone, staff receive an immediate alert via the nurse station panel or mobile device - allowing rapid, calm intervention before an incident occurs.

Key features include:

• Real-time location monitoring and exit detection.
• Wireless alert system integrated into hospital or care home infrastructure.
• Tamper detection to ensure devices remain securely worn.
• Zonal control - adjustable permissions for different patient groups.
• Fully compliant and non-invasive technology suitable for medical and care environments.

Learn more about our Patient Absconding Prevention System for Hospitals & Care Homes.

Reducing AWOL Incidents in Hospitals

For hospitals, the system provides essential protection in:

• Emergency departments (A&E), where confused or intoxicated patients may wander.
• Acute and rehabilitation wards, reducing the risk of disoriented patients leaving without discharge.
• Mental health and dementia wards, supporting safe mobility while maintaining patient dignity.

By preventing AWOL incidents, hospitals can improve safety compliance, reduce incident reporting workload, and strengthen confidence among staff and families.

Preventing Wandering in Care Homes

In care home environments, residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia are particularly at risk of wandering or absconding.
The Xtag Absconding Prevention System acts as a real-time alarm system for care homes, providing discreet protection while allowing residents to move freely within safe areas.

Benefits for care homes:

• Reduces night-time exit risks.
• Enhances CQC compliance under “Safe” and “Effective” domains.
• Gives families reassurance their loved ones are protected.

A Proactive Approach to Patient Safety

By using Xtag Medical’s Absconding Prevention and Wander Management Systems, healthcare organisations can transition from reactive incident management to proactive risk prevention.
Our systems integrate seamlessly with existing hospital or care home workflows, minimising disruption and training time.

Outcomes include:

• Fewer AWOL and wandering incidents.
• Improved safeguarding and audit outcomes.
• Greater staff confidence and reduced anxiety.
• Enhanced patient dignity and freedom within safe boundaries.

Request a Demo

To learn more about how the Xtag Absconding Prevention System can protect your patients and staff, request a demo to arrange a free on-site presentation and system demonstration.