Reply to 'Civilizing the "Barbarian": a critical analysis of behaviour modification programmes in forensic psychiatry settings'.

AIM To consider ethical propositions relating to nursing in UK forensic settings. BACKGROUND A previous paper considered behavioural programmes with a Canadian forensic population. METHOD Some literature and personal reflections are presented. RESULTS Whilst some similarities with the nature of Canadian forensic settings are identified, the UK is developing its' own cognitive-behavioural tradition of working. CONCLUSIONS The skills necessary for working with forensic patients are a development of a wider mental health nursing and therapy skill-set. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Nurse managers within forensic services need to be clear about the values of their services and ensure that therapeutic approaches are consistent with these values. Managers must consider how to support nurses acquire the requisite skill-set.