Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

FORUM is a new online tool that brings both patient and clinician together for improved care and safety in forensic mental health services. In this blog, Dr Howard Ryland explores both the need for this tool and how it was developed through a collaborative approach with all involved.

A screenshot of the FORUM website. The text reads: A new patient reported outcome measure for forensic mental health services, combining the patient and clinician perspectives

Forensic mental health services provide care to people in secure psychiatric hospitals and via specialised community teams. Such services are typically low volume and high cost, often highly restrictive and average duration of inpatient care prior to discharge is long.

The Forensic Outcome Measure (FORUM), is designed to help safeguard patients and the public, monitor progress, inform treatment plans and assist in service evaluation and planning.

Recent blog posts

ATTUNE Project: Transforming adolescent mental health through creativity and science

ATTUNE: A groundbreaking UK research programme combining art and science to address adverse childhood experiences. Discover how this initiative is revolutionising mental health support for young people across five regions.

You don’t need a doctor to get more physically active – here are 10 simple steps you can take by yourself

Discover ten simple ways to boost your physical activity without expensive gym memberships. Learn how small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant health benefits. From taking the stairs to rewarding yourself, find out how easy it is to incorporate more movement into your life.

The Healing Power of Creative Arts: A DPhil Journey in Mental Health Research

Briana Applewhite, a 2nd year DPhil student in Psychiatry funded by NIHR ARC OxTV, shares insights from her research exploring creative arts therapies for alleviating trauma and PTSD symptoms in youth, including a recently published paper on social dance for mental health.

Family Solutions Plus: A new chapter in child safeguarding services

In this blog post, Dr Ruta Buivydaite and Dulcie Irving discuss their evaluation of Oxfordshire County Council's new child safeguarding approach, Family Solutions Plus. Early results show improved outcomes, though achieving some goals will take more time.

BLOG: How an online tool allows parents and therapists to work together to help children with anxiety

In this post, originally appearing in The Conversation, researchers from a recently published ARC -supported study explain more about their work that found an online platform enabling parents to provide therapy may effectively treat child anxiety while using therapists' time more efficiently.