Best Practices in Use of Involuntary Outpatient Treatment

Abstract

Involuntary outpatient treatment (IOT) is used as a tool to promote stability among people with psychotic disorders. The authors drew on quantitative research surveys, qualitative studies, and official guidelines to describe clinicians’ views of IOT and reported practices in England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Overall, clinicians prefer a scheme that is not overly bureaucratic and is clearly enforceable. Medication and supervision are core elements, but most clinicians prefer to mandate only treatment that works and that can be delivered with minimal coercion. The authors note that a consensus appears to be developing about the proper candidates and best practices for use of IOT.