title: Cost savings associated with fitness-to-stand-trial assessments in detention centres: a pilot program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether fitness-to-stand-trial assessments "in detention" offer cost benefit over inpatient assessments.
  
  
  METHODS
  The development of a pilot "fitness clinic" in a detention centre is described, and the results of 1 year of assessments are presented. The cost benefit of fitness assessments conducted in detention centres is outlined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant cost savings were realized by operating fitness clinics in detention centres.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fitness clinics in detention centres offer important benefits and are recommended as an adjunct to forensic programs.
authors.affiliation: Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital, Ontario. chaimow@fhs.mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Chaimowitz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ferencz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017046:Cost Savings; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007298:Insanity Defense; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000191:economics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011330:Prisons / Q000191:economics*