The South Korean Human Rights Commission has deemed the forced use of diapers on psychiatric patients as a violation of human rights and recommended corrective actions to a hospital director.
The Korea Human Rights Commission has ruled that the forced application of diapers on patients in psychiatric hospitals constitutes a violation of human rights. On November 19, the commission advised the director of Shinsegae Hospital in Kimje, Jeollabuk-do, to impose such measures only when absolutely necessary, documenting the reasons in the patient’s medical records. Moreover, the commission recommended that the hospital conduct training for all staff to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
The recommended actions came in response to a complaint from a patient who alleged that the hospital had unjustly isolated them and forced them to wear a diaper without consent. Despite the patient's clear refusal to wear the diaper, the staff pressured them into compliance, leading the patient to reluctantly agree to wear a diaper over their pants. The commission's investigation revealed that the hospital failed to assess the necessity of the diaper on an individual basis and did not properly document the specific reasons or provide adequate prior explanation regarding the decision.
In light of these findings, the Human Rights Commission has also urged the mayor of Kimje to strengthen oversight and guidance of psychiatric institutions in the region to prevent violations of patients' rights. This case emphasizes the importance of respecting patient autonomy and the need for stringent regulations in psychiatric care facilities, as well as proper explanations to patients regarding their treatment protocols.
