Length and associated characteristics of short-term detentions: an analysis of detentions under the Mental Health Act in Scotland, 2006-2018.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The Mental Health Act in Scotland is under review. Previous iterations increased patients' rights but the maximum time for short-term detentions remains unchanged, despite evolving psychiatric treatment models. We explored length, mode of ending and factors of influence on the application of short-term detention certificates (STDCs), which can last up to 28 days, across Scotland between 2006 and 2018.

Methods

Data on age, gender, ethnicity, date of commencement and ending of the STDC and detention site from all 42,493 STDCs issued to 30,464 patients over 12 years were extracted from the national repository for detentions under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and analysed using mixed models.

Results

One in five STDCs lapsed on day 28.

SUBMITTER: Connolly M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10423135 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature