Scoping review of Structured Diagnostic Interviews in the Forensic Psychiatric Setting

Abstract Background Structured clinical diagnostic interviews are widely used in clinical practice and psychiatry research. Nevertheless, the extent to which such interviews have been used in forensic psychiatry is unclear, perhaps because of concerns about feasibility and utility. Aim We undertook a scoping review to investigate publications on structured clinical interviews in the forensic psychiatry context, paying particular attention to issues of feasibility and utility. Methods A PubMed and PsychInfo database search was undertaken using the terms “structured diagnostic interviews” AND “forensic psychiatry” AND “clinical attitudes” OR “utility” OR “feasibility” OR “acceptability”. PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used as a guideline in reviewing and including studies. Results We found three articles on the use of structured diagnostic interviews in the forensic psychiatry context. In most publications, these interviews were used to assess the accuracy of symptom measures using existing validation tools. There were no publications that reported on issues of feasibility and utility. Conclusions Literature on the use of structured diagnostic interviews in forensic psychiatry is sparse. While this may reflect concerns about feasibility and utility, no publications provide data on the feasibility and utility of such interviews in the forensic setting. This highlights an important area of research to explore.