Systems and Processes that Enable Progress for Older Forensic Mental Health Patients

Walker, Kate; Furtado, Vivek; Yates, Jen; Dening, Tom; Völlm, Birgit; Griffiths, Chris

Abstract

Older forensic mental health patients have complex needs and requirements; service provision is required to address mental health, offending risk and issues associated with aging (geriatric care). This study aimed to identify the systems and processes that enable valued progress (in terms of quality of life, health, wellbeing, recovery and reduced risk) for older forensic mental health patients. Interviews were conducted with 48 members of staff working with these patients in secure hospitals or the community. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Four overarching themes were identified regarding what facilitated or acted as a barrier in relation to quality of life, health, wellbeing and recovery. Multidisciplinary input, an individualized approach and implementing holistic and needs-led care was found to facilitate progress. However, lack of resources, excluding the patients in care planning, gaps in expertise and knowledge, and a lack of specialized units that could address mental health, forensic and elderly needs were found to be barriers. Extensive, multilevel and wide-ranging support is required specifically for older forensic mental health patients. Joint working is required between older adult and forensic mental health services incorporating geriatric medicine expertise in order to implement co-produced care and treatment plans.

Citation

Walker, K., Furtado, V., Yates, J., Dening, T., Völlm, B., & Griffiths, C. (2023). Systems and Processes that Enable Progress for Older Forensic Mental Health Patients. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, 22(2), 93-104. https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2022.2080304

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 30, 2022
• Online Publication Date: May 26, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Jun 7, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: May 27, 2023
• Journal: International Journal of Forensic Mental Health
• Print ISSN: 1499-9013
• Electronic ISSN: 1932-9903
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 93-104
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2022.2080304
• Keywords: Psychiatry and Mental health; Pathology and Forensic Medicine; Pshychiatric Mental Health
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/8227047
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14999013.2022.2080304