Knowledge of mental health legislation in junior doctors training in psychiatry

Abstract

Aims and method: To assess junior doctors' knowledge of the procedures involved in involuntary admission of patients detained under Sections 5(2), 2 and 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983. A semi-quantitative research study of junior trainees affiliated to two psychiatry training schemes was carried out. Results: Trainees' knowledge of professionally relevant sections of the Mental Health Act was patchy. Knowledge correlated significantly with experience in clinical practice and with experience of using mental health legislation. Surprisingly, in-service training in mental health legislation had no effect on participants' knowledge. Clinical implications: Lack of knowledge and understanding raises the possibility of inappropriate use of the mental health legislation. This threatens patients'fundamental rights and can lead to complaints or litigation. There is a clear need to address this at an early stage in psychiatry training. Declaration of interest: None.