Older patients in an English high security hospital: a qualitative study of the experiences and attitudes of patients aged 60 and over and their care staff in Broadmoor Hospital

Abstract

Aim: To examine the experiences and attitudes of patients aged 60 and over who are resident in a high-security hospital, and their care staff, using qualitative research methodology, with a view to informing a service model for this group. Results: Of the 16 patients aged 60 and over resident in Broadmoor Hospital, 12 were interviewed, along with 21 members of staff. The patients were located on nine different wards, despite the existence of a specialist ward for older patients. The median duration of stay was 17 years. The large number of issues identified from the interviews fell into four broad clusters: quality of life, vulnerability, risk to others, and resources. An overarching theme emerged to do with the uniqueness of these older patients, in their difference both from younger high security peers and from people of similar age elsewhere. Conclusions: Care needs should not be assumed on the basis of age alone but must be individually assessed. Many older serious offenders with mental disorder have extensive experience of relevant services, are articulate, and, together with their care staff, could assist in shaping better services for a probably expanding population.