Patient access to adult reading material ?

[MICHELLE FORD]

do picu's allow clients to have pornographic material. It seems to be a controversial issue..some staff turn a blind eye..whilst other staff are of the strong opinion it should not be available. the policy is not clear. Is there any guidance out there with regard to this matter..all responses appreciated.

[Richard]

We don't have any specific policy regarding this, but our viewpoint is
that so long as it's not illegal and patients "utilise" such reading
matter within the privacy of their bedrooms, then there shouldn't be
any problems.

[steve...@yahoo.co.uk]

How could it be banned. As long as the magazines are legal and being
read in a private area how could they be banned ?

[Ian]

What if the client is a sex offender? Or harbours violent fantasies
about women? Or is hyper aroused by the literature and seeks to act
out inapppropriate behaviours following their use??? I could go on
citing examples but the principle of ownership and use in private is
fine but.....It all boils down to thorough clinical history taking,
observation of behaviours and comprehensive and meaningful risk
assessment I believe.

You can't build a one size fits all policy but evidence and
consistancy of approach among the team is critical.