The experience of long-stay patients in a forensic psychiatric hospital in China: a qualitative study

Qiguang Li,Stephanie Cook,Shaoling Zhong,Runsen Chen,Jiansong Zhou,Yanan Chen,Yuanyuan Wang,Chenyuli Luo,Ke Peng,Xiaoxi Liang,Fanglan Wang,Xiaoping Wang,Hui Chen,Huijuan Guo

doi:10.1186/s12913-019-4458-6

Abstract

BackgroundLong stay in forensic psychiatric hospitals is common in patients who are defined as “not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder”. However, little is known about how these patients experience and perceive the long stay within these settings. The aim of this study is to explore the perception and needs of long-stay patients in forensic psychiatric hospitals in China.MethodsIn-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants who had lived in the forensic psychiatry hospital for more than 8 years. We used thematic analysis strategies to analyse the qualitative data.ResultsParticipants’ perceptions clustered seven themes: hopelessness, loneliness, worthlessness, low mood, sleep disturbances, lack of freedom, and lack of mental health intervention.ConclusionsThe views and opinions expressed by long-stay patients showed that psychological distress is prevailing in forensic psychiatric hospitals. Adequate and effective care and mental health interventions are recommended to be tailored for their special needs.

Highlights

Long stay in forensic psychiatric hospitals is common in patients who are defined as “not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder”
The seven main themes that were key to understanding the experiences of living in the Chinese forensic psychiatric hospital for long-stay patients were hopelessness, loneliness, worthlessness, low mood, sleep disturbances, lack of freedom, and lack of mental health intervention
From the interview reports we identified seven themes reflected by long stay patients, including hopelessness, loneliness, worthlessness, mood and sleep disorders, lack of freedom, and lack of mental health intervention; which are clinically and legally instructive for the mental health service in forensic psychiatric hospitals

Summary

Introduction

Long stay in forensic psychiatric hospitals is common in patients who are defined as “not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder”. Little is known about how these patients experience and perceive the long stay within these settings. The aim of this study is to explore the perception and needs of long-stay patients in forensic psychiatric hospitals in China. Studies have consistently reported that long stay in forensic psychiatric hospitals is common in many countries [4, 5]. In England, a recent study reported that around 16% of patients stayed for more than 10 years, and 3% stayed for more than 20 years in high security settings [9]. There are concerns that some patients do not experience adequate

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