Developing a National Database on Forensic-Psychiatric Patients: The CONNECT Study ^†

Abstract

Background: Forensic concepts should be guided by current evidence. However, there is currently a lack of even basic information on individuals who have committed a criminal offence in relation to a mental disorder in Germany. Methods: The CONNECT project aims to add knowledge on this patient group by conducting an annual survey of all forensic psychiatric hospitals in Germany. The resulting database will include comprehensive clinical, legal and socio-demographic data. The project aims are (a) to offer a much-needed overview of the sociodemographic, clinical, offending and treatment data of this group, (b) to identify predicting factors associated with leave status and discharge, and (c) to establish rates of reconviction and its predictors at a three-year follow-up. Results: This contribution examines the procedures and obstacles associated with the establishment of the survey. These include concerns about data protection, the necessity of engaging and persuading the ministries of each federal German state, and the scarcity of resources within hospitals, as well as hospital organization and communication. The objective is to foster an understanding of the implementation of a national reference date survey. Conclusions: It is anticipated that this project will have a substantial impact within clinical and academic contexts, while also offering value to policymakers and care providers.