Descriptive Epidemiology of Unnatural Deaths in Oregon's State Institutions: A 25-Year (1963-1987) Study. IV. The Reduction of Unnatural Death Rates During 1988-1992 in Three Facilities as a Result of Planned Changes

• NCJ Number: 152689
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1994) Pages: 1432-1444
• Author(s): S G Kamara; K W Concannon; J F Butler; P J Batten
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper documents an analysis of unnatural deaths in Oregon's mental and correctional institutions that covers the 1988-1992 period; the findings are compared with the occurrence of unnatural deaths during the 1983-1987 timeframe.

Abstract

Data indicated highly significant reductions in unnatural death rates in the Oregon State Hospital and in the Forensic Psychiatric Program. These reductions were largely due to the implementation of planned changes to reduce the previously very high suicide rates in the two facilities. The suicide prevention program encompassed procedures for identifying and tracking clients, structural changes, a comprehensive improvement plan, an increase in direct care staff, and increased use of surgical procedures. A dramatic reduction in unnatural deaths occurred at the Fairview Training Center, primarily because of large-scale improvements made at the facility by Oregon's Department of Human Resources and the Oregon State Legislature. In particular, the staff-to-resident ratio at the center was significantly increased. Specific changes that led to lower unnatural death rates are detailed. 9 references, 4 tables, and 2 figures