Given increasing numbers of compulsory admissions, it is important to assess patient risk profiles and identify factors that are appropriate for intervention.

A sample of 116 patients who were compulsorily admitted was studied. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Patients were interviewed twice using the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale and the Birchwood Insight Scale. Changes in insight and satisfaction during 2 years were linked to the incidence of involuntary re-admissions in the next three follow-up years.

A higher mean score for patient satisfaction was found (mean=3.77, standard deviation (SD)=0.56; p<=.001) in the second interview than in the baseline interview (mean=3.26, SD=0.65). There was also an improvement in insight (in the second interview: mean=7.22, SD=2.86 and in the baseline interview: mean=6.34, SD=3.18; p=.027). There was an inverse correlation between increasing satisfaction (in years 1–2) and the incidence of involuntary admission in years 3–5 (odds ratio (OR)=0.445, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.252–0.793; p=.006). This association proved to be dependent on a history of involuntary admission.

Increasing patient satisfaction in the first 2 years was associated with a lower risk of compulsory re-admission in the subsequent follow-up period, but this association proved to be dependent on a history of involuntary admissions in these first two follow-up years. Increase in insight during the same period did not show any effect whatsoever.