1
|
Kisely S, Zirnsak T, Maylea C, Bull C, Brophy L. Latest findings highlight the continuing uncertainty over the utility of compulsory psychiatric treatment in the community. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e133. [PMID: 39078088 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Community treatment orders (CTOs) have been introduced in many jurisdictions with evidence of increasing use over time as well as a disproportionate use in marginalised populations. Rates of CTOs also vary widely, both internationally and within the same country, for reasons that are poorly understood. This is despite evidence for effectiveness being mixed and, as a result, there have been calls for a reappraisal of this type of legislation. In the UK, a parliamentary committee on reforming the existing Mental Health Act recommended abolishing CTOs other than for people in the criminal justice system. Two recent Australian papers based on large state-wide administrative data-sets give conflicting results and came to markedly different conclusions regarding the desirability of reducing CTO rates. The debate about the effectiveness of CTOs therefore remains unresolved. This is of concern beyond Australia, as other jurisdictions such as England, Scotland and Canada have similar clinician-initiated orders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Kisely
- The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Metro South Health Service, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Griffith Criminology Institute (GCI), Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
- Departments of Psychiatry, Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tessa Zirnsak
- Social Work and Social Policy, Department of Community and Clinical Health, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Maylea
- Law School, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Bull
- The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Metro South Health Service, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Brophy
- Social Work and Social Policy, Department of Community and Clinical Health, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kisely S, Zirnsak T, Corderoy A, Ryan CJ, Brophy L. The benefits and harms of community treatment orders for people diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses: A rapid umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024; 58:555-570. [PMID: 38650311 PMCID: PMC11193324 DOI: 10.1177/00048674241246436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Community treatment orders have been introduced in many jurisdictions with increasing use over time. We conducted a rapid umbrella review to synthesise the quantitative and qualitative evidence from systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of their potential harms and benefits. METHODS A systematic search of Medline, PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO for relevant systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses. Where available, participants on community treatment orders were compared with controls receiving voluntary psychiatric treatment. This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023398767) and the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/zeq35). RESULTS In all, 17 publications from 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative synthesis of data from different systematic reviews was not possible. There were mixed findings on the effects of community treatment orders on health service use, and clinical, psychosocial or forensic outcomes. Whereas uncontrolled evidence suggested benefits, results were more equivocal from controlled studies and randomised controlled trials showed no effect. Any changes in health service use took several years to become apparent. There was evidence that better targeting of community treatment order use led to improved outcomes. Although there were other benefits, such as in mortality, findings were mostly rated as suggestive using predetermined and standardised criteria. Qualitative findings suggested that family members and clinicians were generally positive about the effect of community treatment orders but those subjected to them were more ambivalent. Any possible harms were under-researched, particularly in quantitative designs. CONCLUSIONS The evidence for the benefits of community treatment orders remains inconclusive. At the very least, use should be better targeted to people most likely to benefit. More quantitative research on harms is indicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Kisely
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Griffith Criminology Institute (GCI), Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia
- Departments of Psychiatry, Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tessa Zirnsak
- Social Work and Social Policy, Department of Community and Clinical Health, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy Corderoy
- Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher James Ryan
- Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Specialty of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Brophy
- Social Work and Social Policy, Department of Community and Clinical Health, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Z, Das S. Unveiling the patterns: exploring social and clinical characteristics of frequent mental health visits to the emergency department-a comprehensive systematic review. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 4:17. [PMID: 38802580 PMCID: PMC11130112 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-024-00070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent presenters (FPs) are a group of individuals who visit the hospital emergency department (ED) frequently for urgent care. Many among the group present with the main diagnosis of mental health conditions. This group of individual tend to use ED resources disproportionally and significantly affects overall healthcare outcomes. No previous reviews have examined the profiles of FPs with mental health conditions. AIMS This study aims to identify the key socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who frequently present to ED with a mental health primary diagnosis by performing a comprehensive systematic review of the existing literature. METHOD PRISMA guideline was used. PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) were searched in May 2023. A manual search on the reference list of included articles was conducted at the same time. Covidence was used to perform extraction and screening, which were completed independently by two authors. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. RESULTS The abstracts of 3341 non-duplicate articles were screened, with 40 full texts assessed for eligibility. 20 studies were included from 2004 to 2022 conducted in 6 countries with a total patient number of 25,688 (52% male, 48% female, mean age 40.7 years old). 27% were unemployed, 20% married, 41% homeless, and 17% had tertiary or above education. 44% had a history of substance abuse or alcohol dependence. The top 3 diagnoses are found to be anxiety disorders (44%), depressive disorders (39%) schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders (33%). CONCLUSION On average, FPs are middle-aged and equally prevalent in both genders. Current data lacks representation for gender-diverse groups. They are significantly associated with high rates of unemployment, homelessness, lower than average education level, and being single. Anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders are the most common clinical diagnoses associated with the group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Soumitra Das
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Western Health, Footscray, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lees M, Newton-Howes G, Frampton C, Beaglehole B. Variation in the use of compulsory community treatment orders between district health boards in New Zealand. Australas Psychiatry 2023:10398562231157246. [PMID: 36803072 DOI: 10.1177/10398562231157246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report rates of Compulsory Community Treatment Order (CTO) use by District Health Boards (DHBs) in New Zealand and analyse whether socio-demographic factors explain any variability. METHODS The annualised rate of CTO use per 100,000 population was calculated for the years 2009-2018 using national databases. Rates were adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, and deprivation and are reported according to DHBs to allow comparisons between regions. RESULTS The annualised rate of CTO use for New Zealand was 95.5 per 100,000 population. CTO use varied between DHBs from 53 to 184 per 100,000 population. Standardising for demographic variables and deprivation made little difference to this variation. CTO use was higher in males and young adults. Rates for Māori were more than three times that of Caucasian people. CTO use increased as deprivation became more severe. CONCLUSIONS CTO use increases with Maori ethnicity, young adulthood, and deprivation. Adjusting for socio-demographic factors does not explain the wide variation in CTO use between DHBs in New Zealand. Other regional factors appear to be the major driver of variation in CTO use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Lees
- 5733Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough, New Zealand
| | - Giles Newton-Howes
- Department of Psychological Medicine, 2495University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Chris Frampton
- Department of Psychological Medicine, 2495University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ben Beaglehole
- Department of Psychological Medicine, 2495University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nyttingnes O, Benth JŠ, Hofstad T, Rugkåsa J. The relationship between area levels of involuntary psychiatric care and patient outcomes: a longitudinal national register study from Norway. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:112. [PMID: 36803444 PMCID: PMC9942375 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04584-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health legislation permits involuntary care of patients with severe mental disorders who meet set legal criteria. The Norwegian Mental Health Act assumes this will improve health and reduce risk of deterioration and death. Professionals have warned against potentially adverse effects of recent initiatives to heighten involuntary care thresholds, but no studies have investigated whether high thresholds have adverse effects. AIM To test the hypothesis that areas with lower levels of involuntary care show higher levels of morbidity and mortality in their severe mental disorder populations over time compared to areas with higher levels. Data availability precluded analyses of the effect on health and safety of others. METHODS Using national data, we calculated standardized (by age, sex, and urbanicity) involuntary care ratios across Community Mental Health Center areas in Norway. For patients diagnosed with severe mental disorders (ICD10 F20-31), we tested whether lower area ratios in 2015 was associated with 1) case fatality over four years, 2) an increase in inpatient days, and 3) time to first episode of involuntary care over the following two years. We also assessed 4) whether area ratios in 2015 predicted an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with F20-31 in the subsequent two years and whether 5) standardized involuntary care area ratios in 2014-2017 predicted an increase in the standardized suicide ratios in 2014-2018. Analyses were prespecified (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04655287). RESULTS We found no adverse effects on patients' health in areas with lower standardized involuntary care ratios. The standardization variables age, sex, and urbanicity explained 70.5% of the variance in raw rates of involuntary care. CONCLUSIONS Lower standardized involuntary care ratios are not associated with adverse effects for patients with severe mental disorders in Norway. This finding merits further research of the way involuntary care works.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olav Nyttingnes
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway. .,Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XHealth Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Hofstad
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorun Rugkåsa
- grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XHealth Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway ,grid.463530.70000 0004 7417 509XCentre for Care Research, University of South-Eastern Norway, Notodden, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nguyen MT, Sicotte R, Pires De Oliveira Padilha P, Abdel-Baki A. Community Treatment Orders use Among Persons With a First Episode of Psychosis in Quebec. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:119-129. [PMID: 36135936 PMCID: PMC9923137 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221125284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Specialized early intervention for psychosis can reduce the duration of untreated psychosis and improve clinical and functional outcomes. However, poor adherence to treatment is frequent. The literature on community treatment orders (CTOs) use in first-episode psychosis (FEP) as a means to improve treatment adherence is limited. In the context of early intervention for psychosis services (EIS), this study aims to describe (1) the frequency of CTOs utilisation, (2) the trend of CTOs use over time, (3) the timing and reasons for requesting CTOs and (4) the baseline characteristics of FEP patients on CTOs compared to those who were not. METHOD A 5-year prospective longitudinal study describing the use of CTOs among persons with FEP admitted to two urban EIS in Montreal, Quebec, from 2005 to 2013. At admission, and then annually for 5 years, CTOs data were collected through chart review. Baseline characteristics, assessed by patient interviews, standardized questionnaires and chart review, included socio-demographic data, illness severity, functioning and alcohol and substance use. Descriptive analyses were performed, and FEP patients on CTOs during follow-up and those who were not were compared using analyses of variance, chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Among 567 FEP patients, 19.2% were placed on CTOs. The main reasons for requesting CTOs were to prevent further deterioration in mental state, social functioning, harmful behaviours to self and others and homelessness. FEP patients on CTOs had poorer premorbid and baseline functioning, more severe symptoms and social dysfunction at admission, including legal problems and homelessness. CONCLUSIONS CTOs can be a tool to improve adherence to treatment, which is crucial for relapse prevention in FEP. However, since it is a coercive method that limits a person's fundamental rights, further research is warranted to assess its impact on patients' lives, clinical and functional outcomes, as well as patients' and carers' perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minh Thi Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, 5622University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Roxanne Sicotte
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, 5622University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Amal Abdel-Baki
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, 5622University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Neurosciences axis, 177460Research Center Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hofstad T, Husum TL, Rugkåsa J, Hofmann BM. Geographical variation in compulsory hospitalisation - ethical challenges. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1507. [PMID: 36496384 PMCID: PMC9737766 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compulsory hospitalisation in mental health care restricts patients' liberty and is experienced as harmful by many. Such hospitalisations continue to be used due to their assumed benefit, despite limited scientific evidence. Observed geographical variation in compulsory hospitalisation raises concern that rates are higher and lower than necessary in some areas. METHODS/DISCUSSION We present a specific normative ethical analysis of how geographical variation in compulsory hospitalisation challenges four core principles of health care ethics. We then consider the theoretical possibility of a "right", or appropriate, level of compulsory hospitalisation, as a general norm for assessing the moral divergence, i.e., too little, or too much. Finally, we discuss implications of our analysis and how they can inform the future direction of mental health services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tore Hofstad
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tonje Lossius Husum
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,grid.412414.60000 0000 9151 4445Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorun Rugkåsa
- grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XHealth Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway ,grid.463530.70000 0004 7417 509XCentre for Care Research, University of South-Eastern Norway, Porsgrunn, Norway
| | - Bjørn Morten Hofmann
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Department of Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Maylea C. Victoria, Australia, is getting a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Bill. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2022; 19:527-532. [PMID: 36190671 PMCID: PMC9908623 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-022-10212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Maylea
- La Trobe University, Plenty Rd &, Kingsbury Dr, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ogilvie JM, Kisely S. Examining the health and criminal justice characteristics for young people on compulsory community treatment orders: An Australian birth cohort and data linkage study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2022; 83:101813. [PMID: 35759935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2022.101813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies on the predictors and effectiveness of community treatment orders (CTOs) are restricted to health-related variables and do not consider forensic contacts as established by criminal justice databases or predictors from birth. We used linked administrative health and criminal justice data for a birth cohort in Queensland, Australia to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of people placed on CTOs. METHODS CTOs were identified from administrative data for hospital admissions and community mental health service contacts for a population cohort of 45,141 individuals born in Queensland in 1990. These data were linked with administrative court records, with individuals followed up to age 23/24 years. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine characteristics associated with CTO placement and Tobit regression analyses to examine factors predicting health and criminal justice outcomes in the following year. RESULTS There were 211 CTO cases by age 23/24 years, for whom it was possible to identify 413 controls on voluntary treatment. Non-affective psychoses [F20-F29] were the strongest predictors of CTO placement (ORadj = 4.07, 2.77-5.99) followed by a court appearance (ORadj = 1.99, 1.28-3.09). CTOs were associated with greater, not lower, subsequent psychiatric hospital admissions, inpatient bed-days and community mental health service contacts, although on sensitivity analyses psychiatric hospital admissions were the same as voluntary controls. CTOs were not associated with more subsequent court appearances despite higher rates of offending before CTO placement. CONCLUSIONS Both clinical and forensic variables can determine CTO placement and, on adjustment for these covariates, CTOs were not associated with reductions in psychiatric hospital admission, time spent as an inpatient, or subsequent court appearances. The latter finding might mean that CTOs reduce the risk of offending to that of voluntary controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M Ogilvie
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Steve Kisely
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland and Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Metro South Health Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Suetani S, Kisely S, Parker S, Waterreus A, Morgan VA, Siskind D. Characteristics of people on community treatment orders in Australia: Data from the 2010 National Survey of High Impact Psychosis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:788-799. [PMID: 34340594 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211036032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Existing evidence on factors associated with community treatment order placement is largely restricted to administrative data. We utilised the data from a large nationally representative sample to compare the demographic, clinical, social functioning, substance use and service utilisation profiles of people living with psychosis under community treatment orders with those who were not. METHODS Participants were grouped based on whether they had been subject to a community treatment order in the past 12 months or not. We conducted logistic regressions to examine demographic, clinical, social functioning, substance use and service utilisation profiles associated with the two groups. RESULTS People who had recently been subject to community treatment orders were more likely to be treated with long-acting injectable antipsychotics and lacked insight but were less likely to report suicidal ideation. They also had higher psychiatric inpatient admission rates but a lower frequency of general practitioner visits. CONCLUSION People on community treatment orders in Australia may differ from those who are not under a community treatment order in their treatment needs. Resources and care provision must match the needs of this particularly vulnerable group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuichi Suetani
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Physical and Mental Health Stream, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia.,Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Steve Kisely
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen Parker
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia.,The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, QLD, Australia
| | - Anna Waterreus
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Vera A Morgan
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Dan Siskind
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Physical and Mental Health Stream, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia.,Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Amos A, Evans M, Gill N, Nitschinsk K, Sharanya A, Kisely S. Transparency and accountability are needed to clarify large differences in the use of forensic orders across Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2022; 82:101795. [PMID: 35550239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2022.101795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although wide variation in the use of community treatment orders mandating treatment for patients with mental illness is well known, there is much less information on the use of forensic orders mandating treatment for patients diverted from justice systems. We therefore examined the use of forensic mental health orders in Australia using routinely available data. METHOD We completed a retrospective review of publicly reported data about forensic orders and health or criminal justice outcomes across Australia's jurisdictions. Data on the initiation and prevalence of forensic orders were extracted from annual reports by health and justice system entities with governance of forensic mental health patients. Linear mixed models were used to test for differences between jurisdictions in the number and rate of increase of forensic orders per capita open at the end of each calendar year, and the patterns of forensic order use and reporting were analysed for lessons regarding a minimum data set about the number of forensic orders, rates of re-offending, and vulnerable cohorts including Indigenous and female patients. RESULTS While larger states generally provided useful information about the health engagement of people on forensic orders, no states routinely reported recidivism data or fully addressed vulnerable cohorts, although Victoria provided some information about Indigenous patients and Victoria and Tasmania about female patients. There were significant differences between jurisdictions on both the number of forensic orders in place in 2003, and in the rate of increase in forensic orders between 2003 and 2020. Consistent with the relative number of forensic orders extant in 2003, Queensland showed a large and NSW a moderate rate of increase in the number of people on forensic orders per capita compared with Victoria and WA. CONCLUSIONS A standard set of minimum reported data is needed to monitor and interpret the causes and consequences of large variations in forensic systems across jurisdictions, with the greatest potential benefits for Indigenous and female patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Amos
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
| | - Michael Evans
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Neeraj Gill
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia; Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Mental Health and Specialist Services, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Kathleen Nitschinsk
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Adithya Sharanya
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Steve Kisely
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dawson S, Muir-Cochrane E, Simpson A, Lawn S. Risk versus recovery: Care planning with individuals on community treatment orders. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2021; 30:1248-1262. [PMID: 33960100 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Community treatment orders (CTOs) require individuals with a mental illness to accept treatment from mental health services. CTO legislation in South Australia states that treatment and care should be recovery-focused, although justification for use is predominantly risk-based, and care often coercive. Although CTOs are contested, individuals, families, and clinicians frequently engage in care planning within this context. This paper examines how the concepts of risk and risk management impact care planning from the perspectives of individuals on CTOs, their families, and clinicians. Ethnographic methods of observation and interview provided a detailed account of the perspectives of each group over an 18-month period from two community mental health teams in South Australia. Findings show that care planning occurred within a culture of practice dominated by risk. Risk, however, was understood differently by each participant group, with the dominant narrative informed by biogenetic understandings of mental illness. This dominance impacted on the positioning of participant groups in care planning, focus of care contacts, and care options available. To improve care experiences and outcomes for individuals on CTOs, narrow conceptualizations of risk and recovery need to broaden to include an understanding of personal and social adversities individuals face. A broader understanding should reposition participants in the care planning context and rebalance care discussions, from a focus on clinical recovery to recovering citizenship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Dawson
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.,Mental Health Directorate, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Eimear Muir-Cochrane
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Alan Simpson
- Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sharon Lawn
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chatzisimeonidis S, Stylianidis S, Tzeferakos G, Giannoulis G. Insights into involuntary hospital admission procedures for psychiatric patients: A 3-year retrospective analysis of police records. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2021; 78:101732. [PMID: 34411888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2021.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The procedure of involuntary hospitalization has been an ongoing subject of study. Its implementation requires the systematic co-ordination between the Justice and Health Care systems around the globe. In the case of Greece, the procedure under discussion is regulated by Law 2071/1992, which designates the Police as the agent that links the aforementioned systems together. The present study aims to shed light upon the procedure of involuntary hospitalizations, regarding the preparatory stage and the Police involvement up to the individuals' admission to the on-call hospital for a mental health assessment (MHA). The entry data of two police stations in Athens was recorded by the respective Duty Officer responsible for each case. The police records were retrospectively inspected and information on socio-demographic, clinical and parametric characteristics was extracted. The data collection took place between March and July 2020 and included 324 cases, 80.3% of which referred to involuntary hospitalizations; 17.6% of sample cases did not meet the criteria of the procedure, as opposed to 1.9% of the cases in which the patients eventually ended up being voluntarily admitted and afterwards hospitalized for treatment. There was a statistically comparison of socio-demographic, clinical and parametric variables in relation to the status of hospitalization groups (involuntary, voluntary and no hospitalization). Additionally, statistical comparisons were made between parametric and clinical variables in relation to the type of prosecution order (written: standard route, oral: emergency route). Acute mental health deterioration accounted for around 45% of the total data and it has been identified as the main factor for informing the Hearings Prosecutor office mainly by the patient's family and subsequently proceeding to the issuance of an order (in either written or oral form) to the Police. This enables the Police to escort the individuals and lead them to a psychiatric unit for mental health assessment (MHA) and based on this, for involuntary hospitalization if deemed necessary. In 87.9% of the cases, the individual was transported by police vehicles over a time span ranging from the very same day to 22 days. In total, the written prosecution orders (63.6%) outnumbered the oral ones (36.7%). The findings of the present study demonstrate that the Prosecution order type varies significantly depending on the causes that instigated the involuntary hospitalization procedure. The psychiatric decision whether there should be hospitalization or outpatient therapy also significantly varies depending on the diagnosis. Lastly, the results point out that the need for improvement and further clarification of the aforementioned Greek Law is absolutely essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stelios Stylianidis
- Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece; Association for Regional Development and Mental Health (EPAPSY), Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tzeferakos
- Integrated Addiction Treatment Units, OKANA - Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Parker S, Arnautovska U, McKeon G, Kisely S. The association between discontinuation of community treatment orders and outcomes in the 12-months following discharge from residential mental health rehabilitation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2021; 74:101664. [PMID: 33316696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2020.101664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To compare the post-discharge outcomes of people admitted to community-based residential mental health rehabilitation facilities subject to a Community Treatment Order (CTO) who do and do not have this order discontinued prior to discharge. People subject to a CTO who were admitted across five Community Care Units (CCUs) in Queensland, Australia between 2005 and 2014 (N = 311), were grouped based on involuntary treatment status at the time of their discharge. Individuals whose status changed to voluntary (n = 63; CTO > VOL) were compared with those whose treatment remained involuntary (n = 248; CTO-CTO) on demographic, clinical and treatment-related characteristics. Group-level and individualised changes were assessed between the year pre-admission and the year post-discharge. The primary outcome measure was change in mental health and social functioning (Health of the Nation Outcome Scale). Secondary outcomes included disability (Life Skills Profile-16), service use, accommodation instability, and involuntary treatment. Logistic regression was completed to examine predictors of CTO discontinuation during CCU care. Potential predictors covered service-, consumer-, and treatment-related characteristics. Compared to the CTO-CTO group, the CTO > VOL group had significantly longer episodes of CCU care, more frequent primary diagnoses of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and were more likely to be female. Following discharge, CTO > VOL subjects had more frequent reliable and clinically significant improvement in HoNOS scores, as well as more frequently demonstrated reliable improvement in hospital bed use and accommodation instability than the CTO-CTO subjects. CTO discontinuation was predicted by longer duration of CCU care, being a female, and having a smaller number of psychiatry-related bed use prior admission. Our findings suggest that CCU care of sufficient duration may lessen the need for subsequent compulsory treatment in the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Parker
- Staff Specialist - Psychiatry Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services (MSAMHS), Brisbane, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston, Australia.
| | - Urska Arnautovska
- Senior Research Officer PA Foundation, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gemma McKeon
- Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist Child and Youth Mental Health Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia; Psychosis ACU, Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services (MSAMHS), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Steve Kisely
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gill NS, Amos A, Muhsen H, Hatton J, Ekanayake C, Kisely S. Measuring the impact of revised mental health legislation on human rights in Queensland, Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2020; 73:101634. [PMID: 33068843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2020.101634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) (CRPD) has been instrumental for initiating and shaping the reform of mental health legislation in many countries, including the eight Australian jurisdictions. Multiple approaches have been proposed to assess and monitor the compliance of States Parties' mental health legislation with the CRPD, and to evaluate its success in protecting and promoting the human rights of people with disabilities. This article reports an effort to index the impact of legislation on human rights by measuring changes in the prevalence of compulsory treatment orders applied to people with mental illness after the introduction of CRPD influenced mental health legislation in the Australian state of Queensland. We found that despite reforms intended to enhance patient autonomy, the prevalence of compulsory treatment orders increased after implementation of the new legislation. Possible reasons behind this unintended consequence of the legislative reform may include a lack of systematized voluntary alternatives to compulsory treatment, a paternalistic and restrictive culture in mental health services and risk aversion in clinicians and society. We recommend that the reforms in mental health policy as well as legislation need to go further in order to achieve the goals embodied in the human rights framework of the CRPD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj S Gill
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia; Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport, QLD, Australia.
| | - Andrew Amos
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Hassan Muhsen
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Hatton
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Steve Kisely
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kisely S, Moss K, Boyd M, Siskind D. Efficacy of compulsory community treatment and use in minority ethnic populations: A statewide cohort study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2020; 54:76-88. [PMID: 31558041 DOI: 10.1177/0004867419877690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is conflicting and equivocal evidence for the efficacy of compulsory community treatment within Australia and overseas, but no study from Queensland. In addition, although people from Indigenous or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are over-represented in compulsory admissions to hospital, little is known about whether this also applies to compulsory community treatment. AIMS We initially investigated whether people from Indigenous or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in terms of country of birth, or preferred language, were more likely to be on compulsory community treatment using statewide databases from Queensland. We then assessed the impact of compulsory community treatment on health service use over the following 12 months. Compulsory community treatment included both community treatment orders and forensic orders. METHODS Cases and controls from administrative health data were matched on age, sex, diagnosis and time of hospital discharge (the index date). Multivariate analyses were used to examine potential predictors of compulsory community treatment, as well as impact on bed-days, time to readmission or contacts with public mental health services in the subsequent year. RESULTS We identified 7432 cases and controls from January 2013 to February 2017 (total n = 14,864). Compulsory community treatment was more likely in Indigenous Queenslanders (adjusted odds ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval = [1.28, 1.65]) subjects coming from a culturally and linguistically diverse background (adjusted odds ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval = [1.37, 1.72]), or those who had a preferred language other than English (adjusted odds ratio = 1.66; 95% confidence interval = [1.30, 2.11]). While community contacts were significantly greater in patients on compulsory community treatment, there was no difference in bed-days while time to readmission was shorter. Restricting the analyses to just community treatment orders did not alter these results. CONCLUSION In common with other coercive treatments, Indigenous Australians and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are more likely to be placed on compulsory community treatment. The evidence for effectiveness remains inconclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Kisely
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland and Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Metro South Health Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Griffith Criminology Institute (GCI), Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia.,Departments of Psychiatry, and Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Katherine Moss
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland and Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Metro South Health Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Melinda Boyd
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland and Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Metro South Health Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Dan Siskind
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland and Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Metro South Health Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Silva B, Golay P, Boubaker K, Bonsack C, Morandi S. Community treatment orders in Western Switzerland: A retrospective epidemiological study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2019; 67:101509. [PMID: 31785725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2019.101509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Community treatment orders (CTOs) are legal procedures that authorise compulsory community mental health care to people affected by severe mental disorders. Nowadays, CTOs are regulated in 75 countries, with important variations in terms of legal criteria and practices. In Switzerland CTOs were introduced on the 1st January 2013, following the amendment of the Swiss Civil Code. The aim of this study was to provide a first understanding of the use of CTOs in Western Switzerland in terms of incidence and prevalence rates, population profile, orders duration and reasons for discharge. METHODS Incidence and prevalence rates of CTOs between 2013 and 2017 were estimated. Survival analysis was used to investigate time to CTO discharge and associated factors. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with CTOs' success as reason for discharge. RESULTS CTOs' incidence rates per 100'000 inhabitants ranged between 4.8 for 2013 and 9.6 for 2017, while their prevalence raised from 4.8 to 19.5. People placed under CTO were mainly male, in their forties, of Swiss origin, single and living independently. Primarily affected by Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (F20-F29), they frequently presented substance use problems, and severe danger for themselves. CTOs were mainly ordered by the guardianship authority as a form of conditional release. The estimated mean time to discharge was almost three years. Not being of Swiss origin and being prescribed to take a medication were associated with longer CTO while living in hospital, as a consequence of a long-lasting hospitalisation, and having a non-medical professional in charge of the order were associated with shorter time to discharge. Neither clinical factors nor legal criteria predicted time to discharge. Moreover, spending more days under CTO increased the likelihood of success at discharge, whereas not being of Swiss origin reduced it. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the CTOs' implementation in Switzerland. CTOs prevalence increased rapidly despite the lack of evidence on positive outcomes. Our results suggested that once under CTO, it takes a long time for a patient to be released, in case of both positive and negative outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Silva
- Community Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Place Chauderon 18, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland; Cantonal Medical Office, Public Health Service of Canton Vaud, Department of Health and Social Action (DSAS), Avenue des Casernes 2, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Philippe Golay
- Community Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Place Chauderon 18, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Karim Boubaker
- Cantonal Medical Office, Public Health Service of Canton Vaud, Department of Health and Social Action (DSAS), Avenue des Casernes 2, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charles Bonsack
- Community Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Place Chauderon 18, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Morandi
- Community Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Place Chauderon 18, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland; Cantonal Medical Office, Public Health Service of Canton Vaud, Department of Health and Social Action (DSAS), Avenue des Casernes 2, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|