Background: Clinical experience suggests that non-psychiatrists' knowledge of mental health legislation in relation to emergency detention is inadequate. However, most non-psychiatrists will use this legislation at some point in their career.
Methodology: A questionnaire about emergency detention legislation was circulated to non-psychiatric medical staff to test their knowledge of the provisions relevant to the general hospital.
Results: Two hundred and seventy four medical staff replied (a response rate of 82%). Results showed that an understanding of detention procedures and applicability were markedly deficient, irrespective of grade, specialty or experience.
Conclusion: The results indicate a need for increased education and awareness about emergency detention legislation especially in view of the implementation of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act (2003).