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Needs assessment for mentally disordered offenders and others requiring similar services

Theoretical issues and a methodological framework

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Andrea Cohen  and
Nigel Eastman
Andrea Cohen*
Affiliation:
Section of Forensic Psychiatry, St George's Hospital Medical School
Nigel Eastman
Affiliation:
Section of Forensic Psychiatry, St George's Hospital Medical School
*
Andrea Cohen, Section of Forensic Psychiatry, St George's Hospital Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE
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Abstract

Background

The government has highlighted the service needs of mentally disordered offenders (MDOs) and has introduced policies which have driven MDO needs assessment.

Method

Based on a literature review and a national survey of agencies likely to be conducting needs assessment, the paper reviews government policy regarding MDO needs assessment and examines the particular problems of conducting needs assessment for MDOs.

Results

A methodological framework for MDO needs assessment is presented, and different needs assessment approaches are discussed. The methodological and practical limitations of conducting MDO needs assessment are emphasised, as is the role of subjective judgement in both research design and interpretation.

Conclusions

Needs assessment is value-laden. Also, no single needs assessment approach can address all the issues of importance to purchasers and providers. Substituting the term ‘perspectives on need’ for the term needs assessment would help to reflect the lack of a single ‘truth’ about need and emphasise the role of subjective political judgement in designing and interpreting research on ‘need’.

Type
Review Articles
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 171 , Issue 5 , November 1997 , pp. 412 - 416
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

∗

This paper summarises a research review which was commissioned and funded by South West Thames Regional Health Authority. It also draws upon the authors' experience from participation in and leading of needs assessment projects conducted within the NHS and funded by South West Thames Regional Health Authority and related purchasing authorities. An expanded version of the review is in preparation for publication by Gaskell.

References

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