Psychiatric Services
Volume 57, Issue 2, 2006, Pages 270-272

Representation of asylum seekers and refugees among psychiatric inpatients in London (Article)

Bhui K.* , Audini B. , Singh S. , Duffett R. , Bhugra D.
  • a Department of Psychiatry, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom, East London and City Mental Health Trust, United Kingdom, Centre for Psychiatry, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
  • b Royal College of Psychiatrists' Research Unit, London, United Kingdom
  • c Department of Mental Health, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom
  • d Royal College of Psychiatrists' Research Unit, London, United Kingdom
  • e Health Services Research Division, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

Objective: Refugees are at high risk of mental disorders but often complain about a lack of access to appropriate care. The purpose of this study was to assess the representation of refugees among psychiatric inpatients, given that it has been suggested that they use a disproportionate level of care compared with nonrefugees. Methods: A census of all psychiatric inpatient units in London was used to determine the numbers of inpatients, the numbers of refugees, and measures of need, such as compulsory detention, duration of admission, need for interpreters, and whether inpatient status was appropriate. Results: Of 2,955 psychiatric inpatients, 134 (4.5 percent) were refugees. Refugees' admission rates were similar to or lower than those of nonrefugees. Refugees were more likely to be inappropriately placed, to require interpreters, and to have more complex needs. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that refugees are not overusing London's psychiatric inpatient units but have complex needs that challenge existing service providers.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

United Kingdom hospital admission major clinical study depression hospital patient refugee mental health service anxiety disorder mental health care Article mental disease human mental patient posttraumatic stress disorder
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-32244444251&doi=10.1176%2fappi.ps.57.2.270&partnerID=40&md5=e83650ff61c0e5d7a187f1ef954561b5
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.57.2.270
ISSN: 10752730
Cited by: 16
Original Language: English