Referrals to the Glasgow sheriff court liaison scheme since the introduction of referral criteria

Abstract

This study is an audit of a court liaison scheme operating in Glasgow sheriff court. It represents a follow-on of previous work after the introduction of referral criteria to delineate more closely the appropriate population to be seen. Results were compared with the previous audit. The total number of referrals decreased by 66%, however, the proportion with a psychotic illness increased to 33%. A high referral rate of prisoners with addictions continued, although the service was not primarily designed for them. Fewer patients with no psychiatric diagnosis were referred to the scheme. Outcomes were, however, similar with approximately the same admission rate to hospital. The introduction of criteria appears to have reduced the numbers of inappropriate referrals without excluding the population with serious mental disorder. The introduction of referral criteria seems to have been beneficial to the scheme. The scheme has since changed again and so there may be benefit for a further audit to monitor the continuing appropriateness of referrals. The provision of specific interventions targeting prisoners with addictions is also supported by this audit.