The Review Panel Process: Interpretation of the Findings and Recommendations^*

Abstract

In a series of three studies, the present authors and others in this research group have examined the Review Panel process: (a) before the hearing (which patients apply for a hearing?); (b) at the hearing (how do the patients released by the Panel differ from those retained by the Panel and; (c) after the hearing, how are the Panel-released patients faring one and two years after being released by the Panel, compared to patients released by the attending psychiatrist?) In the present paper, the findings of these three studies are summarized and an attempt is made to explain the findings, some of which are surprising (for example, the 35% disagreement between Panel and attending physician with respect to suitability for discharge and the finding that Panel-released patients survive as long in the community as do physician-discharged patients). Based on the findings and the interpretation placed on them, the authors make a series of recommendations with respect to the operation of Panels, the management of defiant involuntary patients and future research in this area.

Social Workers' and Physicians' Experiences with Review Panels in British Columbia

“…It may also reveal a certain degree of ambiguity in the interpretation of committal criteria. In addition, "a physician who has reservations about a patient's release but agrees that the patient is not detainable under the Mental Health Act may allow the patient to apply for a hearing and obtain release that way" (Paredes, Ledwidge, Beyerstein, Cashore & Higenbottam, 1987).…”

Why are Patients Discharged by Review Boards?

“…The word "potential" stated to be incompatible with the word "likely" when referring to risk. 5. Form 3 used while patient was on a leave of absence.…”

“…Adams and others reported that 31% of applications to RBs at the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital in Ontario resulted in the certificate being revoked (4). Paredes and others indicated that 35% ofapplicants to RBs at the Riverview Hospital in British Columbia had their certificates revoked (5). Myers…”

“…Paredes and others indicated that 35% ofapplicants to RBs at the Riverview Hospital in British Columbia had their certificates revoked (5 Figure 1). …”