Abstract
Aims and MethodTo evaluate the practical utility and face validity of a new risk assessment guideline, the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START), within a forensic mental health service. Staff attended training and subsequently used the START to assess and formulate risk. Staff then completed an evaluation questionnaire about their experiences of using the START.ResultsThe study proved useful in evaluating the practical utility and face validity of the START. the START demonstrated both good practical utility and face validity. Areas of difficulty in completing the START were identified and areas for developing the START were highlighted.Clinical ImplicationsThe service subsequently implemented a revised version of the START into routine practice. the results of the pilot study suggest that the START can usefully assist in structuring risk judgements in practice.
Highlights
The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) is a brief clinical guide for the dynamic assessment of risks, strengths and treatability, which is in the latter stages of development by its authors (Webster et al, 2004)
The staff were evenly distributed throughout the service, which meant that the START was completed for individuals at various stages throughout the care pathway
The Signature Risk Signs section was found to be useful and most participants were satisfied with the Risk Formulation section
Summary
The study was conducted in a medium secure unit in Manchester, UK. A cross-section of qualified nursing staff from the unit attended a training workshop in which they:. considered the background to risk assessment . discussed potential benefits of using an evidencebased guideline in risk management . actively participated in small group exercises using the START . discussed the aims of the pilot study and issues of evaluation.Following the training workshop, participants completed the START for three or four people whom they were working with, together with the accompanying evaluation questionnaire (available on request from the first author). The study was conducted in a medium secure unit in Manchester, UK. A cross-section of qualified nursing staff from the unit attended a training workshop in which they:. Considered the background to risk assessment . Discussed potential benefits of using an evidencebased guideline in risk management . Actively participated in small group exercises using the START . Discussed the aims of the pilot study and issues of evaluation. Participants completed the START for three or four people whom they were working with, together with the accompanying evaluation questionnaire (available on request from the first author). The evaluation questionnaire had previously been validated and approved by the START authors
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