Our lab presented two symposia at the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services (IAFMHS) conference. The event, which is attended by 300-500 mental health professionals, researchers and legal professionals from over 20 countries every year, serves as an opportunity for knowledge sharing, program development, and discussion of legal, administrative, and ethical matters. This year’s theme was “Past, Present, and Future of Forensic Mental Health Services.”
These symposia, led by Drs. Nicholls and Petersen (along with BCMHSUS VP Lynn Pelletier and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Connie Coniglio), examined the findings from a Patient Needs Assessment in a Canadian Forensic Hospital. Our presenters covered the methods of the PNA (T. Nicholls); the patient profile (J. Ahn & A. Polinsky); physical health of forensic inpatients (C. Geddes); risk assessment (M. Almond); safety (A. Rajan); treatment (J. Krentz); trauma-informed practice (K. Alexander); and knowledge mobilization (K. Petersen).
Following the conference, our research teams are preparing results for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and consulting with other Canadian forensic hospitals that have expressed an interest in exploring and adopting the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital’s methodology, protocols and procedures. Way to go, team!