A survey of the use of community treatment orders by psychiatrists in Saskatchewan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the pattern of use and satisfaction with community treatment orders (CTOs) by psychiatrists in Saskatchewan. Method: All psychiatrists who were licensed to practise by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan were surveyed by mail in July 1998. Results: The response rate was 72%. The responding psychiatrists were treating 14 patients on CTOs at the time of the survey. Psychiatrists were generally satisfied with the operation of CTOs, though many felt that commitment of only of 3 months before mandatory renewal was too short a period. Almost one-half expected their use of treatment orders to increase. Conclusion: While CTOs are used for only a small number of patients in Saskatchewan, they are a clinically useful tool for dealing with a group of otherwise difficult-to- treat patients.