The outcome of Mental Health Care Users admitted under Section 40 of the South African Mental Health Care Act (No 17 of 2002)

Jonsson, G; Moosa, M Y H; Jeenah, F Y; Musenge, Eustasius

doi:10.4314/ajpsy.v16i2.12

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…15 A potential limitation is that in most files no differentiation was made between substance use and abuse. Janse van Rensburg, 7 Mabena 8 and Jonsson et al 21 indicate between 40% and 53% of patients fulfil criteria for substance abuse.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Absconding from a psychiatric hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: Are we seeing a decrease since the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act?

Arbee¹,

Subramaney

2019

S. Afr. J. Psych.

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BackgroundAbsconding from psychiatric facilities, the aetiology and impact of which have major socio-economic implications, has a multifactorial aetiological basis. Absconding patients are at higher risk of self-harm, violence, non-adherence, relapses, substance use and negative media attention. Most health professionals associate absconding with the escape of potentially dangerous psychiatric patients. Absconding causes fear and uncertainty, and portrays psychiatric services negatively. Identification of potential absconders would assist with risk assessment and prevention.AimThe aim of this study was to formulate an absconding rate as well as a descriptive profile of absconders since the inception of democracy and deinstitutionalisation.SettingThe study was conducted at Sterkfontein Hospital, a specialised psychiatric hospital outside Johannesburg.MethodsA retrospective record review of absconders from Sterkfontein Hospital in Johannesburg over 1 year was conducted.ResultsThe absconding rate was 7.83%. The characteristics of the typical absconder included single, unemployed male, early 30s, known to psychiatric services, diagnosed with schizophrenia and co-morbid substance use. An absconder is more likely to be a forensic patient not returning from official leave of absence.ConclusionThe absconding rate has decreased to less than half that of a previous study, and is within international norms. While the descriptive profile is of limited value, it does appear that psychiatric patients are being treated in a less restrictive manner resulting in fewer absconders and a change in the method of absconding. The implications for clinical practice are firstly that a clearer definition of the term absconding is needed as this will impact risk assessment and management. It is recommended that future studies separate forensic and general populations. Lastly, the formulation and use of a risk assessment tool may be of value.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Absconding from a psychiatric hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: Are we seeing a decrease since the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act?

Arbee¹,

Subramaney

2019

S. Afr. J. Psych.

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“…The admission rate from police referral was 38%. Non‐admission did not imply absence of psychiatric illness, as some patients were referred to outpatient psychiatric care (Jonsson et al, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and clinical correlates of police contact prior to a first diagnosis of schizophrenia

Schumann

Asmal

Chiliza

et al. 2015

Criminal Behav Ment Health

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As over a third of people in a first episode of schizophrenia had been in contact with the police - more than twice the proportion among non-psychotic controls - and contact was associated with untreated positive psychotic symptoms, better early detection and treatment of psychosis seems indicated. In the meantime, police services may be playing an important role in reducing the duration of untreated psychosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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The outcome of Mental Health Care Users admitted under Section 40 of the South African Mental Health Care Act (No 17 of 2002)

Cited by 2 publications

References 13 publications

Absconding from a psychiatric hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: Are we seeing a decrease since the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act?

Absconding from a psychiatric hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: Are we seeing a decrease since the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act?

Prevalence and clinical correlates of police contact prior to a first diagnosis of schizophrenia

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