Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-t5tsf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-05T08:33:33.620Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Consultant psychiatrists' experiences and attitudes following the introduction of the Mental Health Act 2001: a national survey

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Brian O'Donoghue*
Affiliation:
Cluain Mhuire Family Services, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, Ireland
Paul Moran
Affiliation:
Cluain Mhuire Family Services, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, Ireland
*
*Correspondence Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Objective: This study explored the attitudes and experiences of consultant psychiatrists regarding the Mental Health Act 2001.

Method: A postal survey was distributed to all consultant psychiatrists (n=238) in the Republic of Ireland. All specialties were included except Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Results: A response rate of 70% was achieved. Care of involuntarily admitted patients has improved according to 32%, but 48% found that the care of voluntary patients has deteriorated. Sixty-nine per cent of consultant psychiatrists acknowledge that involuntarily admitted patients are being changed to voluntary early to avoid a tribunal, and 21 % believe it occurs in over 40% of cases. Fourteen per cent of consultant psychiatrists have re-admitted a patient involuntarily immediately after a tribunal revoked the original Involuntary Order. Junior doctors' training by consultant psychiatrists has been reduced in 57% of placements as a result of the increased demands of the MHA 2001. Eighty-seven per cent report an increase in their on call service workload but only 23% report a sufficient increase in the number of consultants within their service. While 78% agree that patients should not be admitted involuntarily solely on the grounds that the person is suffering from a personality disorder, 58% feel that there is a risk in such patients not being involuntarily admitted in situations in which it is clinically necessary. Fifty-six per cent feel that there is a similar risk in patients with a diagnosis of substance misuse.

Conclusion: Resources required to implement the Mental Health Act 2001 have not been sufficient leading to poorer quality of service and negatively affecting NCHDs training.

Type
Survey
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Mental Health Commission. Mental Health Tribunal and Involuntary Admission Activity. 2008 01 8.Google Scholar
2.European Union. Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. 1950.Google Scholar
3.Carswell, C, Donaldson, A, Brown, K. Psychiatrists' views and experiences of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. Psychiatr Bull 2007 03 1;31(3):83–5.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Currier, GW. A survey of New Zealand psychiatrists' clinical experience with the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act of 1992. N Z Med J 1997 01 24;110(1036):69.Google ScholarPubMed
5.Owens, J. Implementing the Mental Health Act 2001: What should be done? What can be done? Ir J Psych Med 2005;22(3):7982.Google Scholar
6.Denihan, A. Consultants' experience during their first year in post. Ir J Psych Med 2005;22(1):34.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
7.Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health. Finding and Keeping: Review of Recruitment and Retention in the Mental Health Workforce. 2000.Google Scholar
8.Pidd, . Recruiting and retaining psychiatrists. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment 2003;9:405–13.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
9.Department of Health. Reforming the Mental Health Act. 2001 01 5.Google Scholar
10.Szmukler, G. A new mental health (and public protection) act. BMJ 2001 01 6;322(7277):23.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed