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Outcome study of patients exhibiting challenging behaviours four years after discharge from a low secure mental health unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 September 2007

Emmanuella Akande ,
M Dominic Beer  and
Kalaanithi Ratnajothy
Emmanuella Akande
Affiliation:
Specialist Registrar in Psychiatry, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
M Dominic Beer
Affiliation:
Consultant Psychiatrist, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London
Kalaanithi Ratnajothy
Affiliation:
Head of Research and Development, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
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Abstract

Aim: To follow up a series of patients admitted to a low secure mental health unit for challenging behaviour. Method: Clinical outcome measures (Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS) and Staff Observed Aggression Scale (SOAS)) and keyworker interviews were used to follow up the progress of patients at least one year after discharge. Results: 33 patients had a mean time since discharge of 43 months. The typical patient was a man with a history of violent offences, admitted from an open ward because of aggression. The observed improvement on HoNOS and GAS during admission had been maintained at follow up. There had been no re-convictions. All patients were compliant with medication. Five patients had been re-admitted to hospital during the follow up period. The current placement showed that more of the patients were in the community compared with at discharge. Conclusion: Patients admitted to a low secure unit improved during their stay and this improvement was maintained at follow up.

Keywords

Low secure unitchallenging behaviouroutcome post-dischargere-admissionre-convictionHoNOS
Type
Original Paper
Information
Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care , Volume 3 , Issue 1 , June 2007 , pp. 21 - 26
Copyright
© 2007 NAPICU

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