Collecting service use data for economic evaluation in DSPD populations

Abstract

BackgroundEconomic evaluation of the Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder Programme is essential to ensure value for money. The collection of individual-level service use information is crucial to any such evaluation, but the best way to collect these data in secure facilities is unclear.AimsTo develop a method for the collection of individual-level service use information for prisoners/patients in secure facilities.MethodsServices provided within secure facilities were identified through examination of facility and policy literature, and discussions with managerial and clinical staff. Appropriate methods of measuring the quantities of services used were then explored and a new research tool capable of capturing all relevant services was developed and pilot tested.ResultsThe Secure Facilities Service Use Schedule (SF–SUS) records service use information from records and is capable of capturing data on the use of all individual-level services provided within a secure facility plus external services commonly accessed by occupants.DiscussionThe SF–SUS is able to collect meaningful individual-level service use information for the economic evaluation of services provided within secure facilities.