The psychology quadrant: an outcome measure based on the START risk assessment

The Journal of Forensic Practice,Volume 19, Issue 1, February 2017. Purpose The aim of this study was to develop a psychological outcome tool which reflected the relationship between clusters of items on the Short Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) risk assessment and different categories of psychological progress in male inpatient psychiatric services. Design/methodology/approach A principal component analysis was conducted on data from 135 male psychiatric rehabilitation patient ’s START risk assessments. Findings Principal component analysis (PCA) identified 4 strength psychology quadrants which were explained by a 5 factor structure and 4 vulnerability quadrants which were explained by a 4 factor structure. The development of the psychology quadrant, its usefulness i n establishing a treatment pathway and areas of future research are also discussed. Originality/value Developing accessible, transparent outcome measures using evidence based practice is highly relevant within the field of mental health rehabilitation.
Source: Journal of Forensic Practice - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research