Personalised monitoring and feedback on risk-relevant features in forensic case formulation: a series of case-studies in men who have committed sexual offences

The current study investigated to what extent personalised information on interrelated risk-relevant behavioural, psychological, and contextual features obtained using experience sampling method (ESM) can be deployed to inform forensic case formulations of adult men with a history of sexual offences. Five adult men in outpatient forensic treatment for committing sexual offences monitored personal risk-relevant features using ESM and discussed the resulting feedback report with their therapist. Data were collected using the Twente engagement with Ehealth technologies Scale, an online questionnaire, a semi-structured interview and log data. Participants reported increased awareness of personal patterns of risk-relevant features and their possible association with the risk of sexual reoffending. The participants did not perceive the ESM procedure as burdensome or intrusive. Obtaining personalised information on risk-relevant features by ESM was feasible and achievable for adult men with a history of sexual offences. Insights derived from ESM measurements could enhance traditional forensic case formulation. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT: Combining experience sampling method (ESM) and traditional forensic case formulation can help adult men with a history of sexual offences to better understand patterns in their risk-relevant characteristics. A more thorough understanding of such patterns may improve treatment plans focused on desistance of sexual reoffending.