Characteristics of mentally disordered offenders referred for low secure forensic rehabilitation

Abstract

In the light of recognition of an increased need for secure mental health provision both at a local and national level, a 12-bed low secure forensic rehabilitation unit, Hillis Lodge, was opened in Birmingham in 2001. The aim of this study was to investigate characteristics of patients referred to this service. A retrospective case note survey was undertaken of all referrals to Hillis Lodge between August 2000 and April 2004. A comparison was then made between the accepted group and those not accepted for admission to identify characteristics that may be associated with admission to a low secure forensic unit. For the referred sample, mean age was 38 years (range 23-65 years, SD = 9.17) and in 86.4% of cases the primary diagnosis was schizophrenia. Those accepted were more likely to be detained under Part III sections of the Mental Health Act 1983 and have a greater number of previous convictions. By identifying need in this particular patient sample, this study has helped to inform the assessment process and treatment programmes in a low secure forensic rehabilitation service.

Clinician Perspectives of Inpatient Forensic Psychiatric Rehabilitation in a Low Secure Setting: A Qualitative Study

“…[8][9][10][11] Participants described clinical, systemic and political factors influencing the referral of new forensic patients. Although clinical factors were identified in the outcomes of previous studies, 3,18,19 systemic and political factors had not been described previously. The assessment process in the unit was 'ad hoc' (Interviews 3 and 4) at times, which differed to previous research that emphasised the importance of identifying suitable patients in order to provide appropriate and effective treatment.…”

“…The assessment process in the unit was 'ad hoc' (Interviews 3 and 4) at times, which differed to previous research that emphasised the importance of identifying suitable patients in order to provide appropriate and effective treatment. 15,18,19 When it came to describing what rehabilitation involved at the unit, central themes included: patient factors, holistic individualised clinical care offered by a multidisciplinary team, redefining the role of care providers and transition factors. These themes reflected the findings of another qualitative study 3 that emphasised medication adherence, management of comorbidities and development of financial management skills as important aspects of forensic psychiatric rehabilitation.…”