This report focuses on risks posed to others, and
aims to stimulate further debate and research as well as
improvements in clinical practice and patient and public safety. It
sets out current understanding of best practice and points to
future action needed for further improvements.
The assessment and management of risk are integral
to psychiatric practice. Over the last 10 years, the risk posed by
mental health service users to others has been brought into the
spotlight by the government and media as inquiries into serious
incidents have suggested failings in the risk management of some
patients with mental disorders.
All psychiatrists are conscious of the immeasurable
impact of homicides and violence on victims, perpetrators and
families, and recognise their responsibility to their patients and
the wider public to use their professional skills to reduce
risk.
The report describes key findings from a major
survey of College members, and makes recommendations to improve the
assessment and management of risk.