Clara Lessard-Deschênes

Ms. Clara Lessard-Deschênes

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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7 December 2021 in Criminal Justice and Behavior
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MGMarie-Hélène Goulet
Marie-Hélène Goulet
LDLaura Dellazizzo
Laura Dellazizzo
CLClara Lessard-Deschênes
Clara Lessard-Deschênes
ALAlain Lesage
Alain Lesage
ACAnne G. Crocker
Anne G. Crocker
ADAlexandre Dumais
Alexandre Dumais
Given the increasing literature on forensic assertive community treatment (FACT), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effectiveness of FACT among justice-involved individuals with severe mental illness. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review, six of which were included in the meta-analyses for a total of 1,246 participants. Mixed results regarding health-related outcomes were found. The pre-post FACT analysis and comparison with control groups did not yield significant results other than increased outpatient service use. Results on forensic outcomes were more compelling. Both the narrative review and the meta-analysis highlighted that FACT programs may improve justice outcomes such as the number of days spent in jail. More high quality and multisite randomized controlled trials are needed to consolidate findings. Further research is needed to examine other psychosocial factors related to FACT program success.

22 September 2021 in Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
CLClara Lessard-Deschênes
Clara Lessard-Deschênes
MGMarie-Hélène Goulet
Marie-Hélène Goulet

15 February 2024 in BMJ Open
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
VBVincent Billé
Vincent Billé
CLClara Lessard-Deschênes
Clara Lessard-Deschênes
SSSophie Sergerie-Richard
Sophie Sergerie-Richard
MDMarie Désilets
Marie Désilets
JTJulie Tansey
Julie Tansey
MGMarie-Hélène Goulet
Marie-Hélène Goulet
Introduction Comprehending informal coercion, which encompasses a wide range of phenomena characterised by subtle and non-legalised pressures, can be complex. Its use is underestimated within the continuum of coercion in mental health, although its application may have a negative impact on the persons involved. A better understanding of informal coercion is crucial for improving mental healthcare and informing future research. This scoping review aims to explore the nature, extent and consequences of informal coercion in mental health hospitalisation to clarify this phenomenon, establish its boundaries more clearly and identify knowledge gaps. Methods and analysis Following the methodological framework from the Joanna Briggs Institute, this scoping review will encompass 10 key steps. Literature searches will be conducted in electronic databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses. Then, a search in grey literature sources (Open Grey, Grey Guide), psychiatric and mental health journals, government agencies and among the references of selected studies will be conducted. The research will include all literature focusing on informal coercion with inpatients aged 18 and above. Data will be extracted and analysed descriptively, mapping the available knowledge and identifying thematic patterns. The quality of included studies will be assessed using appropriate appraisal tools. An exploratory search was conducted in November 2023 and will be updated in December 2023 when the selection of relevant evidence will begin. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required as this study involves the analysis of existing published literature. The findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and presentations at relevant conferences. They will be shared with people living with mental disorders and professionals working in mental healthcare.

30 July 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CLClara Lessard-Deschênes
Clara Lessard-Deschênes
PPPierre Pariseau-Legault
Pierre Pariseau-Legault
VBVincent Billé
Vincent Billé
SSSophie Sergerie-Richard
Sophie Sergerie-Richard
EHEmilie Hudson
Emilie Hudson
MGMarie-Hélène Goulet
Marie-Hélène Goulet
Background/Objectives: Perceived coercion has been associated with significant negative outcomes, including service avoidance and psychological distress. Despite growing interest, no recent comprehensive review has mapped the full range of factors influencing this experience. This scoping review aimed to synthesize and present the state of knowledge on the factors associated with perceived coercion by adults receiving psychiatric care. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, a systematic search of five databases and grey literature was conducted for publications from 1990 to 2025 in English and French. A total of 143 sources were included and thematically analyzed. Consultation with experts and individuals with lived experience enriched the interpretation of findings. Results: Five categories of factors were identified: individual, clinical, relational, legal, and structural. Relational and legal factors were most consistently associated with perceived coercion, while individual and clinical factors showed inconsistent findings. Structural influences were underexamined but significantly shaped the experiences of the individuals receiving care. Conclusions: Perceived coercion arises from a complex dynamic of individual, relational, and systemic influences. Reducing coercion requires moving beyond individual-level factors to address structural conditions and policy frameworks. Future research should prioritize qualitative and intersectional approaches and amplify the voices of those most affected by coercive practices in psychiatric care.

7 March 2024 in Aporia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CLClara Lessard-Deschênes
Clara Lessard-Deschênes
PPPierre Pariseau-Legault
Pierre Pariseau-Legault
MGMarie-Hélène Goulet
Marie-Hélène Goulet
The theory of procedural justice, derived from social psychology, is employed in numerous fields of study concerned with the quality of interactions involving individuals in positions of authority. Although this theory is increasingly cited for its potential to promote approaches aimed at mitigating the effects of psychiatric coercion and better respecting individuals' rights, empirical literature provides limited insights into how procedural justice could be translated into practice. It is important, therefore, to examine the theoretical and practical implications of such an orientation. Based on a critical analysis of existing literature, this article will discuss the potential contributions and limitations of procedural justice applied in the field of mental health and psychiatric nursing. Procedural justice has limitations regarding solutions for human rights violations in psychiatry. It nonetheless allows a focus on the quality of interactions with individuals in coercive contexts, in addition to considering the social and identity-related implications of psychiatric coercion.

17 October 2022 in BMJ Open
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CLClara Lessard-Deschênes
Clara Lessard-Deschênes
MGMarie-Hélène Goulet
Marie-Hélène Goulet
PPPierre Pariseau-Legault
Pierre Pariseau-Legault
Introduction Coercion is inevitably linked to psychiatric and mental healthcare. Though many forms of coercion exist, perceived coercion appears to be a less studied form despite its marked prevalence and negative consequences. In the literature, several factors have been studied for their association with perceived coercion, but few literature reviews have focused on this precise subject. Gaining knowledge of the association between these factors and the degree of perceived coercion is essential to guide future research and develop informed interventions. The purpose of this review will be to identify, in the literature, factors associated with perceived coercion by adults receiving psychiatric care. Methods and analysis A scoping review will be conducted by following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A search with descriptors and keywords will be performed in the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Then, a search for grey literature will be conducted, psychiatric and mental health journals will be searched, and reference lists will be examined to identify further pertinent literature. All literature on factors (human, health related, organisational, etc) and their association to perceived coercion by adults (18 and older) in inpatient, outpatient and community-based psychiatry will be included. A quality assessment of the literature included will be performed. The extracted data will be analysed with a method of content analysis. An exploratory search was conducted in September 2021 and will be updated in September 2022 once the evidence selection process is planned to begin. Ethics and dissemination No ethics approval is required for this review. The results of this scoping review will be submitted to a scientific journal for publication, presented in conferences and shared with clinicians working in psychiatric and mental healthcare.