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Consultant psychiatrists' experiences and attitudes following the introduction of the Mental Health Act 2001: a national survey

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Brian O'Donoghue  and
Paul Moran
Brian O'Donoghue*
Affiliation:
Cluain Mhuire Family Services, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, Ireland
Paul Moran
Affiliation:
Cluain Mhuire Family Services, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, Ireland
*
*Correspondence Email: briannoelodonoghue@gmail.com
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Abstract

Objective: This study explored the attitudes and experiences of consultant psychiatrists regarding the Mental Health Act 2001.

Method: A postal survey was distributed to all consultant psychiatrists (n=238) in the Republic of Ireland. All specialties were included except Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Results: A response rate of 70% was achieved. Care of involuntarily admitted patients has improved according to 32%, but 48% found that the care of voluntary patients has deteriorated. Sixty-nine per cent of consultant psychiatrists acknowledge that involuntarily admitted patients are being changed to voluntary early to avoid a tribunal, and 21 % believe it occurs in over 40% of cases. Fourteen per cent of consultant psychiatrists have re-admitted a patient involuntarily immediately after a tribunal revoked the original Involuntary Order. Junior doctors' training by consultant psychiatrists has been reduced in 57% of placements as a result of the increased demands of the MHA 2001. Eighty-seven per cent report an increase in their on call service workload but only 23% report a sufficient increase in the number of consultants within their service. While 78% agree that patients should not be admitted involuntarily solely on the grounds that the person is suffering from a personality disorder, 58% feel that there is a risk in such patients not being involuntarily admitted in situations in which it is clinically necessary. Fifty-six per cent feel that there is a similar risk in patients with a diagnosis of substance misuse.

Conclusion: Resources required to implement the Mental Health Act 2001 have not been sufficient leading to poorer quality of service and negatively affecting NCHDs training.

Keywords

Mental Health Act 2001Consultant PsychiatristsInvoluntary PatientsInvoluntary admissionsPsychiatry
Type
Survey
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , March 2009 , pp. 23 - 26
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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