Usefulness of the CANFOR-S for measuring needs among mentally disordered offenders resident in medium or low secure hospital services in the UK: a pilot evaluation

Background The short form of the forensic version of the Camberwell Assessment of Needs (CANFOR‐S) (Thomas et al., 2003) is of potential value in all clinical forensic settings, but so far reported mainly with high security hospital patients. Aims To conduct a pilot study of the feasibility of using the CANFOR‐S in medium and low security hospital units and to report preliminary findings there. Methods Thirty‐six of 38 patients on one medium secure ward for women, one low secure ward for women and one low secure ward for men, all in the same hospital, agreed to participate in the study. Staff and patients completed the CANFOR‐S as part of a larger formal assessment package. Results All the women and 18 of the 20 men completed the CANFOR‐S. It was found to be easy and quick (25 minutes) to use, and acceptable. Staff and patient ratings were similar on all but one item: needs with regard to safety to others, with staff consistently rating more. Men and women were similar in number of needs, but had different needs profiles. Those in medium security were generally more needy than those in low security. Conclusions and implications for practice The CANFOR‐S is feasible for clinical practice, with results perceived as useful in treatment planning by patients and staff. More widespread use could improve service planning. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.