Abstract
Aims and methodScant clinical attention is usually paid to (a) forensic patients' reading interests or (b) the potential that library services may offer in providing information and therapy to patients. We undertook a cross-sectional service evaluation of patients' library attendance and use at Rampton high secure hospital in a 12-month period between July 2009 and June 2010.ResultsWe collected information for 326 patients across all 28 wards. Almost 79% used the library service in some way, 66% borrowing music, 67% borrowing books and some borrowing both. Factual books were borrowed more than fiction, with graphic novels, talking books and self-help books about mental disorder all proving popular.Clinical implicationsReading and library use should be considered by clinicians in terms of the positive impact of improving literacy to enhance wider recovery, in relation to the impact of illness and medication effects on reading ability and the potential for providing health-related messages, illness education and reading therapy.
Highlights
ResultsWe collected information for 326 patients across all 28 wards. Almost 79% used the library service in some way, 66% borrowing music, 67% borrowing books and some borrowing both
Scant clinical attention has been paid to (a) Rampton Hospital patients’ reading interests or (b) the potential that library services may offer in providing information to patients
We evaluated use of the library service at Rampton Hospital by taking a cross-sectional view of patients’ library use in a 12-month period between July 2009 and June 2010
Summary
We collected information for 326 patients across all five clinical services and covering all 28 wards. There was significant variation in terms of library use, for example whereas around 80% or more of patients in the male personality disorder, women’s and learning disability services used the library, only 63.5% of mental illness service patients did so. Fewer patients in the male mental illness (predominantly psychosis) service used the library for books or music. This may reflect clinical issues, such as reduced motivation, relating to psychotic illness. A high proportion of patients with an intellectual disability, despite likely issues with literacy, used the library, often borrowing illustrated books as well as music
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