Voluntary and coercive covert trading behaviour on low and medium secure psychiatric units: a cross-sectional study

Little is known about covert trading behaviour in secure hospital settings. This study evaluated the nature, prevalence, and frequency of voluntary (VTB) coercive (CTB) between patients psychiatric units. Ninety-six eligible 18 low or medium wards across South London anonymously completed a questionnaire exploring their experiences (including exchanging, lending, borrowing, gifting personal property, money, services) during current admission. About 70.2% reported engaging some form unauthorised VTB (38.3% ≥5 different behaviours). was more commonly by male (74.7%) than female (36.3%) participants (odds ratio (OR) = 4.93, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.28,19.05, p 0.021). Engagement any CTB fewer (31.9%). Participants were significantly likely to report themselves as victims behaviours (8.6%–14.0% behaviours) rather instigators (1.1%–5.5% Involvement common reporting (39.4%) compared those not involved (14.3%; OR 3.90, CI 1.21,12.54). Covert patient appears commonplace inpatient settings participation may be linked with engagement. Hospital policies better monitor regulate help reduce incidence CTB.