Perceptions of Treatment Planning in a Forensic Mental Health Hospital: A Qualitative, Participatory Action Research Study

Abstract

This qualitative, participatory action research study examined treatment planning from the perspectives of 29 inpatients and 16 service providers at a Canadian forensic mental health hospital. Qualitative data produced by indepth interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants’ narratives clustered around six themes: (a) It's all about the patient: Involving patients; (b) Other professionals at the table: Including other professionals; (c) Onward and upward: Progressing through the hospital; (d) Know me for who I am: Understanding the patient; (e) Keep me in the loop: Sharing information with patients; and (f) To trust or not to trust: Openness, honesty, and trust.

Keywords:

• treatment planning
• forensic hospital
• participatory action research
• qualitative

Acknowledgments

Financial support for this study was provided by the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation. The authors would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of Dr. Johann Brink, Colleen Calderwood, Nancy Robinson, Sara Lapsley, Deborah Kinvig, Tammy Peterson, Dr. Erin Michalak, and Dr. Barbara Schneider. We would also like to express our gratitude to the patients and staff who participated in the study.