Risk for intellectual disability populations in inpatient forensic settings in the United Kingdom: A literature review

Abstract

Background: People with an intellectual disability who commit a criminal offence can be detained, by a court, in a forensic inpatient facility. There is limited understanding of how inpatients with an intellectual disability and their nurses navigate risk in U.K. forensic services. Methods: A traditional literature review design was followed to map evidence (2000–2021) around the forensic and health and wellbeing risks faced by inpatients with an intellectual disability, nurses' perceptions of managing risk, and patient experiences of informing risk assessment and management. Papers were analysed thematically. Results: Findings suggest that restrictive measures to mitigate forensic risks (e.g., violence) can exacerbate the risk of poor health and wellbeing outcomes. There was some limited evidence of direct patient involvement in risk assessment and management. Conclusion: Further research is required to explore how forensic inpatients with an intellectual disability can have input in care planning, risk assessment and management.