Addressing the criminogenic needs of older forensic mental health patients in secure settings: A rapid evidence assessment

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: Older patients have a highly complex and unique set of mental, physical, and social care needs and constitute a growing proportion of the forensic mental health (FMH) population. There is, however, a scarcity of research informing approaches to addressing the criminogenic needs of this group. Aim: To critically evaluate the pre-existing evidence base pertaining to addressing the criminogenic needs of older FMH patients. Methods: A Rapid Evidence Assessment was conducted from November 2019 onwards using four electronic databases: PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, and Scopus; two grey literature sources, and google scholar. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria and were identified as eligible for this review. Results: The findings provide promising, yet tentative conclusions about the availability and helpfulness of interventions for this population, including meaningful and age-appropriate activities, EMDR, healthy identity work, and physical health interventions. Facilitators and barriers to improving outcomes were also identified. The evidence also highlighted responsivity factors that were pertinent to the older population and could pose barriers to intervention to address criminogenic needs. These included chronic mental and physical health issues, and cognitive impairment, associated with ageing. Conclusions: This REA highlights the need for future research to better understand and implement service provision and interventions that address the criminogenic needs of this population. Implications for future research, clinical practice, and policy are discussed.