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Predicting outcome in low secure environments: A case series from one low secure unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2007

M Dominic Beer ,
James Tighe ,
Kalaanithi Ratnajothy  and
David Masterson
M Dominic Beer*
Affiliation:
Consultant Psychiatrist in a Low Secure Unit in Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust in South-East London and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry, University of London
James Tighe
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Nurse, Bracton Centre, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Kalaanithi Ratnajothy
Affiliation:
Head of Research and Development, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
David Masterson
Affiliation:
Clinical Audit Co-ordinator, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
*
Correspondence to: Dr M.D. Beer, Bracton Centre, Oxleas NHS Trust, Bracton Lane, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7AF, UK. E-mail: dominic.beer@oxleas.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Aims: To measure the effectiveness of treatment in a low secure challenging behaviour unit and to identify predictors of change.

Method: Routine clinical data and outcome scores were collected on a case series of 86 patients admitted to and discharged from one low secure unit.

Results: Significant improvements were found on Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), Staff Observed Aggression Scale (SOAS) and the Global Assessment Scale (GAS). Improvements in GAS and HoNOS were associated with moves to a lower level of security. Patients with a history of conviction for property damage, cannabis use, who were admitted on a forensic section or with a diagnosis of personality disorder were more likely to move to a higher level of security. Increased length of stay was related to the presence of physical assault, physical health problems and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions: Clinical outcomes and behaviour improve during admission to one low secure unit and characteristics of the type of patients who respond to this form of treatment are proposed.

Keywords

Predicting outcomeslow secure unitchallenging behaviourmental healthtreatment effectivenesslength of staydischarge placementsHoNOSGASSOAS
Type
Original Paper
Information
Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care , Volume 3 , Issue 2 , July 2007 , pp. 85 - 92
Copyright
Copyright © NAPICU 2007

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