Experiences of Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment under the Mental Health Act

HOSTED BY: Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes

Maja Kolar, RPN, MSN
Director — Legislative Initiatives, Providence Health Care
Adjunct Professor, UBC School of Nursing

Beth Snow, PhD, MBA, CE
Program Head — Evaluation, Advancing Health
Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Population & Public Health, UBC

Amy Salmon, PhD
Centre Association Director, Advancing Health
Director, Clinical Faculty Affairs, UBC Faculty of Medicine

British Columbia currently has the highest rate of hospitalization for mental health and substance use issues in Canada, and over the past decade the number of people involuntarily admitted to hospital for psychiatric treatment has steadily increased. In 2019, the BC Ombudsperson made 24 recommendations towards preserving the dignity and rights of individuals who are receiving involuntary treatment, increasing accountability of the health authorities, and increasing compliance with the procedural and documentation requirements stipulated in the Mental Health Act. 

In this context, The Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes conducted an independent, participatory, mixed methods evaluation to assess progress toward implementing specific recommendations from the BC Ombudsperson’s report, and to understand the lived experiences of receiving and providing treatment under the Mental Health Act in VCH and PHC designated facilities. This presentation will review key findings from this evaluation.

For more info: https://www.advancinghealth.ubc.ca/event/wip-seminar-tbc-10/