Outcomes in a low secure unit: pre-admission and post-discharge comparisons |
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| Authors: | Oliver Johnson Abbie Andrew Theresa Connolly |
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| Affiliation: | 1. The Orchard Unit, West London Mental Health Trust, Southall, London, UK;2. CAMHS Forensic Mental Health Service (South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust), Michael Rutter Centre for Children and Young People, Camberwell, London, UK;3. Forensic &4. Prisons Directorate, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Dartford, London, UK |
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| Abstract: | Empirical research seldom reports on clinical outcomes within low secure services. By comparing outcome measures prior to admission and following discharge this study aimed to investigate the care pathways of patients admitted to a low secure unit (LSU). The study was conducted in an LSU and consisted of 70 patients (54 male, 16 female). Data were collected retrospectively and analysed in relation to placement security (upon admission and discharge) and admissions to hospital. Results revealed that admissions to hospital and time spent in hospital decreased post-discharge in comparison with pre-admission. Forensic patients were found to have fewer admissions than civil patients prior to LSU admission. Some differences were also observed within gender and Mental Health Act (MHA) section status for placement security. The findings demonstrated that following treatment in a LSU, care pathways may be less restrictive than prior to admission. Further, more robust research on the outcomes of LSUs is required. |
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| Keywords: | Outcomes care pathway low secure unit admission discharge gender section |
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