Accessible summary
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Progress in treatment for women in medium secure conditions is dependent on reducing patients risk to self and others.
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A method of managing and reducing risk behaviours is described.
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In this study risk reduction has been paralleled by increased engagement in treatment activities.
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The implications for treatment and further research are discussed.
Abstract
The treatment and risk management programmes in a women’s medium secure service are described. Changes in risk profiles and its relationship to treatment engagement are examined in a cohort of women during their stay in a medium secure service. Findings show that clinically significant reductions in risk behaviours were paralleled by increases in treatment engagement. The clinical healthcare implications of these findings are discussed along with the need for further research.