The violent offender treatment programme: Service user consultation and evaluation

Abstract

Purpose -- The Violent Offender Treatment Programme (VOTP) is a cognitive programme which aims to reduce risk of recidivism of mentally disordered offenders. Research has examined the use of various assessment tools to explore the effectiveness of the programme. Examination of service user feedback in relation to mental health service provision and violence risk has not been conducted. This study aims to explore service users' experiences of the VOTP. Design/methodology/approach -- Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised to explore interviews of seven service users' experiences of the VOTP, within a high secure psychiatric hospital. Findings -- Four broad themes were found: consistency, learning and application, the group experience, and programme structure. Findings indicate participants held positive views of the VOTP. They could relate to the material covered and felt this had enhanced their ability to manage violence and aggression. Recommendations to improve the programme included simplifying programme material, maintaining patient motivation, and ensuring effective communication. Research limitations/implications -- The service users whose risk had substantially reduced and thus left the hospital were not included in this study. In addition, there were restrictions on the patients available as current mental health had to be taken into account. Implications include the importance service users place on group process. Originality/value -- Examining service user feedback in relation to mental health service provision had not previously been completed. Findings may be beneficial to other treatment programmes for violence and other group based psychological treatments in similar settings.