Psychiatric Bulletin (2008) 32: 406-408. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.108.019794
© 2008 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit an eLetter
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Related articles in PB
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Right arrow Citing Articles via Scopus
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Doyle, M.
Right arrow Articles by Brisbane, M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Doyle, M.
Right arrow Articles by Brisbane, M.

Implementing the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) in a forensic mental health service{dagger}

Michael Doyle, Nurse Consultant and Honorary Research Fellow

*Bolton Salford and Trafford Mental Health NHS Trust, and University of Manchester, Edenfield Centre Adult Forensic Service, 535 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3BL, email: mike.doyle{at}bstmht.nhs.uk

Geraint Lewis, Clinical Psychologist

Moya Brisbane, Senior Nurse

Risk & Patient Safety, Bolton Salford and Trafford Mental Health NHS Trust, and University of Manchester, Edenfield Centre Adult Forensic Service, Manchester

Declaration of interest

None.

{dagger} See opinion & debate, pp. 403-405, this issue.

AIMS AND METHOD

To evaluate the practical utility and face validity of a new risk assessment guideline, the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START), within a forensic mental health service. Staff attended training and subsequently used the START to assess and formulate risk. Staff then completed an evaluation questionnaire about their experiences of using the START.

RESULTS

The study proved useful in evaluating the practical utility and face validity of the START. The START demonstrated both good practical utility and face validity. Areas of difficulty in completing the START were identified and areas for developing the START were highlighted.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The service subsequently implemented a revised version of the START into routine practice. The results of the pilot study suggest that the START can usefully assist in structuring risk judgements in practice.


Related articles in PB:

Best practice in managing violence and related risks
Quazi Haque, Adrian Cree, Christopher Webster, and Bushra Hasnie
PB 2008 32: 403-405. [Abstract] [Full Text]