What term is used for the temporary or permanent misuse of a patient's belongings?

The term "misappropriation" refers specifically to the improper use or handling of someone else's belongings, which can be temporary or permanent. In the context of patient care, misappropriation can involve the unauthorized use of a patient's personal items, funds, or property. This is particularly significant in healthcare settings, where trust and respect for individuals' personal belongings are crucial.

While "abuse" generally refers to a broader spectrum of mistreatment or harm, and "fraud" deals with deception for personal gain, these terms do not accurately pinpoint the specific act of misusing a patient's belongings. Likewise, "negligence" involves a failure to provide adequate care or attention but does not specifically address the unauthorized handling or misuse of personal property. Thus, misappropriation is the precise term that captures the essence of this specific type of wrongdoing in relation to patients' belongings.