Evaluation of Irelands National Forensic Mental Health Service Redevelopment D-FOREST Study on Patient Recovery, Violence Reduction, and Health Outcomes Observational Study of Adult Patients from 2019 to 2027

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the redevelopment of Irelands National Forensic Mental Health Service, moving from the older Dundrum Hospital to a new 170-bed hospital in Portrane. The study focuses on forensic mental health patients, assessing outcomes over time related to service improvements and patient recovery. It includes patients with mental disorders, addressing physical health, mental health, violent behavior, and social and occupational functioning in a forensic setting. The study observes patients admitted to the National Forensic Mental Health Service from December 2019 onward, during and after the move to the new hospital campus. It uses a longitudinal, observational design to track changes over up to five years. Multiple measures are collected at admission and every six months, including clinical interviews, risk assessments, recovery scales, and physical health evaluations. The study also examines hospital service outcomes like waiting times and length of stay. Participants will undergo repeated assessments including structured interviews on mental health symptoms, violence risk, and treatment progress. Physical health data such as BMI and activity levels are recorded. Patient-rated and clinician-rated tools evaluate ward atmosphere and quality of life. Researchers analyze these data to measure length of stay, recovery from psychosis, reduction in violence, and improvements in overall functioning. The study monitors outcomes for five years, aiming to understand the benefits of the hospital redevelopment.

Dundrum Forensic Redevelopment Evaluation Study: D-FOREST Study.