Are the rights of people with mental illness still important?
This survey measured the attitudes of clinical social workers toward the rights of psychiatric patients who are involuntarily committed to institutions. The questions covered five content areas: involuntary commitment, environment and daily living, right to treatment, right to refuse treatment, and presumption of legal incompetence. Although the majority of respondents supported patients' rights, a minority demonstrated restrictive attitudes and an unawareness of existing laws regarding patients' rights. Controversial issues, such as the right to refuse treatment, evoked the least support.
Wilk
R J
RJ
School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa 33620.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D008875:Middle Aged; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028701:Patient Rights; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric; D014481:United States