Clinical Characteristics of Patients Deemed to Require Long-Term Hospitalization in a Civil or Forensic Psychiatric Setting

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the specific characteristics of inpatients deemed by their psychiatrist to require ongoing care in a civil or forensic hospital setting compared to those who could benefit from care in a residential setting. The male participants (n = 178) involved in this study came from two such hospital settings. The results show that current hospitalization in a forensic psychiatric unit and aggressive behaviors act as obstacles to being redirected toward community-based treatment. There is a need to further assess interventions targeting aggressive behaviours so as to allow a greater number of patients to access community-based care.