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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Schizophrenia | Research article

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

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

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Long 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.

Methods

In-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.

Results

Participants’ perceptions clustered seven themes: hopelessness, loneliness, worthlessness, low mood, sleep disturbances, lack of freedom, and lack of mental health intervention.

Conclusions

The 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.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The experience of long-stay patients in a forensic psychiatric hospital in China: a qualitative study
Authors
Shaoling Zhong
Huijuan Guo
Yuanyuan Wang
Stephanie Cook
Yanan Chen
Chenyuli Luo
Ke Peng
Fanglan Wang
Xiaoxi Liang
Hui Chen
Qiguang Li
Jiansong Zhou
Xiaoping Wang
Runsen Chen
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Schizophrenia
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4458-6

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