This article considers the results of a retrospective study comparing pregnancy rates in one Drug Testing and Treatment Order (DTTO) service in the United Kingdom with pregnancy rates in a generic substance misuse service and national conception rates. Conception rates were found to be six times higher in the coerced drug treatment group compared to the general population and generic drug services over the same period. These higher pregnancy rates may possibly be accounted for by an interplay of several factors including improved physical health, improvements in menstrual cycle regularity, better social interactions or intrinsic nature of the treatment regime in the clinics. The results of the study have implications for the criminal justice, health and other services involved in the care of these patients.

AIMS AND METHOD We explored the views of consultant psychiatrists (trainers and non-trainers) on the effectiveness of the research day. We sent out postal questionnaires to consultant psychiatrists in general adult and old age psychiatry in the West Midlands to evaluate their own experience of the research day and how useful they felt it was. RESULTS The survey had a response rate of 72% (88 out of 122) and the majority of respondents had a positive view of their experience (31 trainers, 60%; 25 non-trainers, 69%). However, more consultant trainers (37, 71%) compared with non-trainers (15, 42%) felt that the research day in its current format should be modified. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The research day is useful for the training of specialist registrars and our study confirms this view from the consultants surveyed. Some improvement is required in order for specialist registrars to obtain optimal benefit. We make some suggestions for improving the day’s effectiveness.

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