Factors determining the use of the emergency recommendation for compulsory psychiatric care.

The factors determining the use of Section 31 admissions and reclassifications at a district psychiatric hospital were investigated prospectively over an eight month period. Thirty-six per cent of patients failed to meet the criteria laid down for full detention and, particularly with reclassification, Section 31 was invoked to secure treatment. While the Emergency Recommendation is not used as the legislators intended, a seven day detention order appears more relevant to modern psychiatric practice than the full detention procedure.