Need for education of psychiatric evaluation of offenders with mental disorders: A questionnaire survey for Japanese designated psychiatrists

BACKGROUND The management of offenders with mental disorders has been a significant concern in forensic psychiatry. In Japan, the introduction of the Medical Treatment and Supervision Act in 2005 addressed the issue. However, numerous psychiatric patients at risk of violence still find themselves subject to the administrative involuntary hospitalization (AIH) scheme, which lacks clarity and updated standards. AIM To explore current as well as optimized learning strategies for risk assessment in AIH decision making. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire survey among designated psychiatrists to explore their experiences and expectations regarding training methods for psychiatric assessments of offenders with mental disorders. RESULTS The findings of this study’s survey suggest a prevalent reliance on traditional learning approaches such as oral education and on-the-job training. CONCLUSION This underscores the pressing need for structured training protocols in AIH consultations. Moreover, feedback derived from inpatient treatment experiences is identified as a crucial element for enhancing risk assessment skills.