A COMPARISON OF VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY PATIENTS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL

Objectives: In view of the apparent public discontent that has been ex pressed by individuals towards temporary certification and involuntary treatment, this study was set up to assess patients' reactions to the ir involuntary admission, The study compared the demographic character istics of voluntary and involuntary patients and assessed their attitu des towards and knowledge of the certification process that presently exists in Ireland, Method: A total of 68 patients, 38 involuntary pati ents consecutively admitted over a six month period and 30 voluntary p atients selected over the same period, were interviewed with a standar d questionnaire, on average six months after discharge, Results: Invol untary patients were more likely to be single, live with their familie s and showed no demonstrable gender bias, Involuntary patients had lim ited knowledge of specific aspects of their individual certifications, particularly with regard to knowledge of their rights, admission stat us and knowledge of the identity of the applicant of the certificate, Of these, 10% were aware of their rights on admission and only 14% cou ld recall that their rights had been explained to them on admission, C onclusion: Although patients initially expressed strong feelings of an ger on admission towards committal, these feelings were found to reduc e over time, Recommendations for improving the present Mental Health A ct were suggested by those interviewed and these included a need for a n initial assessment period before certification is completed and a ne ed for improved communication by medical staff regarding information o n the admission status, the identity of the applicant and on the perso n's rights.