Evaluation of the redevelopment of Ireland's National Forensic Mental Health Service

Dundrum Forensic Redevelopment Evaluation Study: D-FOREST Study.

Observational Health Service Executive, Ireland · NCT05074732

This study is testing how moving to a new 170-bed mental health hospital in Ireland affects the recovery and care of patients with mental health issues involved in the justice system.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHealth Service Executive, Ireland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dublin)
Trial IDNCT05074732 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The D-FOREST study is a multi-site observational evaluation of the redevelopment of Ireland's National Forensic Mental Health Service. It aims to assess the impact of transitioning from an outdated facility to a new 170-bed hospital in Portrane on patient outcomes and service efficiency. The study will track various recovery domains, including mental health, physical health, and social functioning, over a five-year period. By analyzing waiting times and lengths of stay, the study seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new service model in improving care for forensic patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults admitted to the National Forensic Mental Health Service in Ireland since December 1, 2019.

Not a fit: Patients who were not admitted to the National Forensic Mental Health Service during the specified timeframe may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved mental health outcomes and reduced recidivism for patients in forensic settings.

How similar studies have performed: While similar evaluations of forensic mental health services have been conducted, the specific redevelopment approach in this study is novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Admitted to the National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) Ireland after 1st December 2019 until 7 years after the transfer of the National Service to the newly developed complete National Forensic Service at Portrane, North Dublin, Ireland.

Exclusion Criteria:

* This study comprises a complete cohort of admissions to the NFMHS. All adult patients admitted during the time period will be included in the study, regardless of their length of stay.

Where this trial is running

Dublin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SchizophreniaForensic PsychiatryOutcome MeasureViolencePersonality DisordersRecoveryObesityType II Diabetes
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.