The Homeless Clients of a Community Psychiatric Nursing Service in Inner London: 1. Demographic Characteristics and Presenting Problems

Abstract

The records of Community Psychiatric Nursing service (CPNs) clients over a period of two years have been analysed. The clients had been classified into 'homeless' and 'home-based' according to their accommodation. The two groups were then compared in respect of their socio-demographic characteristics; and presenting mental health problems. The CPNs' homeless clients were more likely to be unemployed, single and from an ethnic minority. The presenting mental health problems as assessed by the CPN, showed more mood related and less psychotic problems (abnormal experiences) in comparison with psychiatrists' diagnoses. The CPN assessment of the presenting problem was compared with that of the clients and their referring agents. The CPN assessment revealed low agreement with homeless clients. The implications of study findings for the recording system and the service, was discussed.