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Psychiatria Danubina, Vol. 23 No. suppl 1, 2011.

Conference paper

CLASSIFICATION OF RISK IN PSYCHIATRY

Tim M. Gale ; Department of Psychiatry, QEII Hospital, Welwyn Garden City, UK ; Department of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
Chris J. Hawley ; Department of Psychiatry, QEII Hospital, Welwyn Garden City, UK ; Department of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
Thanusha Sivakumaran ; Department of Psychiatry, QEII Hospital, Welwyn Garden City, UK

Full text: english pdf 309 Kb

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Abstract

Psychiatric risk-assessments generally quantify risk using broad, categorical, indicators (e.g., high-risk, low-risk). We examined
reliability of such indicators when applied by mental-health professionals. Four versions of a questionnaire were used, each
specifying a different clinical outcome along with a range of different probabilities at which that outcome might occur. Respondents
classified each probability, allowing a comparison of the level of likelihood at which different professionals would apply the terms
'high-risk', 'medium-risk' and 'low-risk'. We found little consistency among professionals who assessed risk for the same outcomes.
Moreover, there were also large and unpredicted differences in response-profiles between the 4 clinical outcomes. These findings
raise concerns about the communication value of current risk-assessment terminology.

Keywords

risk-assessment; quantification of risk

Hrčak ID:

264860

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/264860

Publication date:

1.9.2011.

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