BackgroundLegislation and practice of involuntary hospital admission vary
substantially among European countries, but differences in outcomes have
not been studied.AimsTo explore patients' views following involuntary hospitalisation in
different European countries.MethodIn a prospective study in 11 countries, 2326 consecutive involuntary
patients admitted to psychiatric hospital departments were interviewed
within 1 week of admission; 1809 were followed up 1 month and 1613 3
months later. Patients' views as to whether the admission was right were
the outcome criterion.ResultsIn the different countries, between 39 and 71% felt the admission was
right after 1 month, and between 46 and 86% after 3 months. Females,
those living alone and those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia had more
negative views. Adjusting for confounding factors, differences between
countries were significant.ConclusionsInternational differences in legislation and practice may be relevant to
outcomes and inform improvements in policies, particularly in countries
with poorer outcomes.