Abstract
Background: Both the National Health Service (NHS) and the private sector provide low secure care. Little is known about the differences between the two sectors regarding the unit functioning and characteristics of patients admitted to low secure units (LSUs).Aim: To compare the unit and patient characteristics of NHS and private LSUs.Method: A cross sectional census day postal design was employed.Results: The analysis is based on 128 LSUs (98 NHS, 30 private). NHS LSUs accommodated 1084 patients and the private LSUs accommodated 359 patients. Analysis of the data showed that some differences existed between the two sectors related to the number of beds, unit facilities, interventions and the referral-discharge route. The demographic characteristics of NHS and private patients were similar. The majority of patients were white, male, unemployed and single.Conclusion: Although the NHS and the private sector LSUs work similarly and share many characteristics in terms of the unit functioning and the patient characteristics, a few very significant differences between the two sectors have also emerged.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
