Mental health service utilisation after a Community Treatment Order: A comparison between three modes of termination

Abstract

Objective: Little work has examined Community Treatment Order processes, including mode of termination. This paper aimed to examine service utilisation and legal status following the Community Treatment Order termination by a review board, treating psychiatrist or expiry of order. Method: Data-linkage study following the service utilisation of those discharged from a Community Treatment Order of at least 3-month duration for the subsequent 2 years. We used the state-wide database of all contacts with state-funded mental health services in Victoria, Australia.Results: Of the 1478 patients who were discharged, 5% were discharged by the review board, 88% were discharged by the treating psychiat..