Editorial: Tagging can boost patient safety

In the aftermath of the tragic and preventable death of 83-year-old dementia sufferer Carmelo Fino, who left St Vincent de Paul Residence in the middle of the night unobserved, there has been much debate about how best to ensure patient safety and security.

The discussion in Malta reflects a broader international debate around what is often termed ‘assistive technology’ and its role and ability to enhance the life of patients, and the duty of care of institutions and the state. 

Should patients such as Fino be ‘tagged’ with an electronic tracking device as argued by Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela and others?

The question is part of a larger discussion on how best to ensure the safety of people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s (both on the increase worldwide) while respecting their dignity and their rights.

Apart from ‘tagging’ per se, the debate also focuses on ‘restraints’ (physical and/or chemical) and the use of barriers to wandering, such as locked doors or ‘closed’ wards.

In the public mind, the phrase ‘tagging’ continues to be linked with criminals and animals and, as such, is an emotive issue guaranteed to raise opposing viewpoints as has been the case here. 

Those...