Developing a Dynamic Understanding of Risk Factors for People Admitted to Long-term High Dependency Units

Even with developments in supporting people with enduring psychosis, some people living with these difficulties still require specialised care in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. To optimise the support provided a service evaluation was conducted for people admitted to a Long-term High Dependency Unit service. Data collected routinely with the Short-Term Assessment for Risk and Treatability tool was used to identify dynamic risk factors for the residents. Completed assessments were analysed for frequency and severity of risk behaviours; historic prevalence of risk behaviours; judgements on future risk; and strengths and vulnerabilities. The evaluation indicated a picture of a group of people who have a variety of historic risks and currently engage regularly in aggression and self-neglect, whilst experiencing limited insight, social exclusion, and limited coping abilities. Strengths and vulnerabilities linked to risk behaviours were also grouped into conceptually similar domains to aid intervention. Recommendations are made for using such data to enhance recovery.