Key Dimensions of Work Climate in Forensic Mental Healthcare in the Netherlands: A Qualitative Study

Forensic mental healthcare is considered a stressful environment of professional practice. Forensic professionals encounter numerous occupational difficulties, such as dealing with violence, managing high workloads, coping with the consequences of staff shortages, and high societal pressure. To understand what is important to professionals in their work climate, this study aimed to explore the key dimensions of the work climate in forensic mental healthcare in the Netherlands, across both inpatient and outpatient settings. First, desk research was conducted. Documents were selected from the databases of the Inspection Services of Justice and Security, the Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate, and the Custodial Institutions Agency in the Netherlands. Second, eight interviews were held with forensic professionals. A thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data. Three main dimensions were generated: (a) Fundamentals, (b) Self-Governance, and (c) Interpersonal Relationships. A main finding in this study was that meaningful formal and informal interpersonal relationships between forensic professionals seem to be of vital importance in the work climate. This study provides insights and opportunities for forensic institutions and for professionals themselves to create or maintain a supportive work climate.

Plain Language Summary

This study looked at what matters in the work climate of forensic mental healthcare in the Netherlands. By analyzing Inspection Services’ documents and interviews with forensic professionals, three main topics were found: (a) Fundamentals, (b) Self-Governance, and (c) Interpersonal Relationships. These results can support professionals and forensic organizations in maintaining or improving a positive work climate.