Psychiatrists' views and experiences of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003

Christine Carswell,Keith Brown,Andrew Donaldson

doi:10.1192/pb.bp.106.010579

Abstract

Aims and MethodThis study assesses the views and experiences of psychiatrists of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. A postal questionnaire was sent to 340 consultant psychiatrists and specialist registrars throughout Scotland.ResultsA response rate of 76% was achieved (n=257); 31 respondents (12%) felt patient care had improved with the newAct; 167 (65%) felt that informal patients' care had suffered; 135 (52%) did not consider that tribunals were better than the previous court system; 151 (59%) felt that the out-of-hours workload had increased.Clinical ImplicationsAn early indication of psychiatrists' views and experiences of the new Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 is given.

Highlights

A response rate of 76% was achieved (n=257); 31 respondents (12%) felt patient care had improved with the new Act;167 (65%) felt that informal patients’care had suffered;135 (52%) did not consider that tribunals were better than the previous court system;151 (59%) felt that the outof-hours workload had increased
On 20 March 2003 the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 was passed by the Scottish Parliament
We obtained contact details of specialist registrars and consultant psychiatrists who had permitted their work address to be released by the College (n=357)

Summary

Methods

We obtained contact details of specialist registrars and consultant psychiatrists who had permitted their work address to be released by the College (n=357). This list did not include child and adolescent psychiatrists. We further excluded those who we knew to be retired, working in private practice or not participating in out-ofhours rotas. Respondents were asked seven questions concerning out-of-hours practice regarding detention, local psychiatric emergency plan, training for the new Act, patient care and the tribunal process. A space was available at the end of the questionnaire for general comments

Results

Discussion

Conclusion