The impact of low secure unit care on patient outcomes

Abstract

A significant number of people with psychosis require inpatient admission under the Mental Health Act. Department of Health documents have highlighted the importance of delivering effective care to individuals with psychosis treated in low secure conditions. Research into patient outcomes in these settings has so far been neglected. The aim of the research reported here was to assess outcomes for patients tested at three six‐monthly assessments during their residence at a new community low secure facility for people with psychosis and challenging behaviour. Although there were numerical reductions on many of the outcome measures over time, few were statistically significant. The main significant improvements were in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total and delusions scores over time. Initial evidence indicates that this type of care may have promise, but further research is needed to extend these findings.

Clinical governance in practice: closing the loop with integrated audit systems

“…Staff measures would be confidential, stored off the unit and analysed by the psychologists involved with the project who were independent of the unit. All of the assessment tools, which were used in this audit, are recognized and standardized psychometric outcome measures (see Jones et al . 2005).…”