Centre of Excellence in Forensic Psychiatry Research

There are about 500 patients in forensic psychiatric care settings in Egypt, with about 10% of these patients granted discharge each year. Long-term incarceration in highly restrictive forensic settings affects the quality of life of patients and is expensive. Hence, it is paramount to develop evidence-based guidelines for practitioners and treatments for patients to improve their health and well-being and reduce their risk. With more effective interventions (i.e., standardized assessment, treatment and management) in place, patients’ length of stay is expected to reduce and community safety will improve.

Yet, there is currently no recognized training in forensic psychiatry or guidance on the assessment and treatment of forensic-psychiatric patients in Egypt. The new Centre of Excellence in Forensic Psychiatry Research will promote evidence based practice and aid policy makers in decision making in forensic psychiatric care in Egypt. We aim to develop evidence-based guidelines for practitioners to improve the health and quality of life of their patients, who are incarcerated on a long term basis. The work will also aid in policy-making to reduce patients’ risk, improve reintegration following their discharge, and address human rights issues in this patient group.