Prevalence and management of patients with outpatient commitment in the mental health
services
Sammanfattning
Background: People with mental health problems are mostly treated within the community. The
law allows for the use of compulsory mental health care both in hospital and in the community.
Various forms of outpatient commitment (OC) have been adopted in much European legislation. To be
subjected to OC is a serious intervention in a person’s life. Aim: The purpose of this study is to gain
knowledge about patients who undergo OC. The study explores the incidence and prevalence of OC in
a geographical area, the central characteristics of the sample, and how the framework for follow-up
treatment for patients to resolve OC works. Methods: The data were collected from a review of
electronic patient records. The statistical methods used in this study were descriptive analysis, with
frequency analysis and cross-tabulation analysis. Results: The main finding in the present study is
that the use of OC has increased. An important finding is that most of the patients have a decision
made for OC that is justified by the treatment criterion. The present study shows that there is
insufficient documentation on statutory responsibilities for follow-up treatment of patients with an OC.
Conclusions: This study shows that the use of OC has increased. It should be considered whether
implemented measures to reduce the use of coercion have the desired effect.