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Study of Presentations for Involuntary Admission to a Cork Approved Centre

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Elaine Dunne  and
Eamonn Moloney
Elaine Dunne*
Affiliation:
South Lee Mental Health Services, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Co. Cork, Ireland
Eamonn Moloney
Affiliation:
South Lee Mental Health Services, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Co. Cork, Ireland
*
*Correspondence E-mail elaine.dunne@ucc.ie
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Abstract

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of patients who present to an approved centre with Mental Health Act 2001 forms, and secondly, to compare those who were subsequently detained to those who were not detained.

Methods: Specific data on patients who presented to South Lee Mental Health Unit with application and recommendation forms for Involuntary Admission over a 22 month period was gathered from a retrospective case note review. Information on both groups was compared statistically using Graph Pad Prism software.

Results: 71% (n=121) of patients presenting for involuntary admission did so outside of normal working hours. Those who were not subsequently detained were more likely to have had their application made by the Gardai and their recommendation made by someone other than their own General Practitioner (GP). GPs were more likely than Consultant Psychiatrists to cite risk to self or others as the reason for involuntary admission.

Conclusion: Although involuntary admissions most often occur in emergency situations, every effort should be made to ensure that those who are known to the patient are involved in the process of application and recommendation. In addition, there is a need for ongoing training and education of those most commonly involved, such as the Gardai and General Practitioners, as well as feedback to these groups when a patient presents who does not require involuntary admission.

Keywords

Mental Health Act 2001Involuntary admissionDetention
Type
Original Paper
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 29 , Issue 1 , 2012 , pp. 16 - 21
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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References

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