RECURRENT PSYCHIATRIC-HOSPITALIZATION

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 118  (3) , 247-250
Abstract
Readmission statistics were singled out in the last 14 yr as the key factor for assessing hospital effectiveness. Patients at high risk for recurrent hospitalization were characterized more by features relating to environmental supports than by diagnosis. The operational definition for recurrent hospitalization (5 or more admissions during the 2 yr period preceding the latest admission) was effective in identifying this group; this was the 1st reported instance in which the definition specified a certain number of admissions within a time-limited period. A pilot program for persons undergoing recurrent hospitalization was designed. Rather than simply trying to reduce the readmission rate psychiatric facilities should be examining the types of persons who are hospitalized recurrently to develop programs aimed at improving the functioning of these people in the community.