The Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation (KOIHA) has issued a safety alert following a series of incidents involving unauthorized escapes by hospitalized patients with dementia or schizophrenia.

In a notice released Tuesday, KOIHA warned of “patient safety incidents caused by unauthorized escapes” and provided recommendations to prevent similar accidents.

Unauthorized escape refers to a patient leaving a medical facility without following proper procedures, such as a doctor's discharge order or official permission to leave. Such incidents can result in serious harm -- including injuries, falls, self-harm, or suicide -- prompting hospitals to remain vigilant.

In one case, a nurse discovered during ward rounds that a dementia patient had gone missing. The hospital contacted police, and the patient was later found and treated at a medical center for bleeding from the buttocks.

In another incident, a schizophrenic patient was found to have jumped from a second-floor window after disappearing during early morning rounds. CCTV footage confirmed the escape, and the patient was treated for a fractured rib.

“Unauthorized escapes significantly increase the risk of falls and other injuries,” said Seo Joo-hyun, head of the Central Patient Safety Center at KOIHA. “Hospitals must closely monitor high-risk patients and establish coordinated response systems with guardians, local communities, and police to minimize harm.”

Seo added that active cooperation from patients and guardians is crucial, and the center will distribute educational and promotional materials to help prevent future incidents.