THE HOMELESS CLIENTS OF A COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSING SERVICE IN INNER LONDON - 1 - DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND PRESENTING PROBLEMS

The records of Community Psychiatric Nursing service (CPNs) clients ov er a period of two years have been analysed. The clients had been clas sified into 'homeless' and 'home-based' according to their accommodati on. The two groups were then compared in respect of their socio-demogr aphic characteristics; and presenting mental health problems. The CPNs ' homeless clients were more likely to be unemployed, single and from an ethnic minority. The presenting mental health problems as assessed by the CPN, showed more mood related and less psychotic problems (abno rmal experiences) in comparison with psychiatrists' diagnoses. The CPN assessment of the presenting problem was compared with that of the cl ients and their referring agents. The CPN assessment revealed low agre ement with homeless clients. The implications of study findings for th e recording system and the service, was discussed.