North Staffordshire Community Beds Study: Longitudinal evaluation of psychiatric in-patient units attached to community mental health centres

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Abstract
Background: This study evaluates two in-patient units attached to community mental health centres (CMHCs) that were designed to supplement acute in-patient care and to integrate with community-based after-care services.Aim: To examine the comparative outcome of patients with severe mental illness (SMI) admitted to the two units.Method: All patients with SMI admitted to the acute psychiatric wards serving the two CMHCs, those transferred to the community in-patient units and those admitted directly to these units (n=110) were compared with patients (n=67) admitted to acute wards serving two similar catchment areas without associated community beds. Baseline clinical and social measures were made and repeated at six and 12 months. Satisfaction with services was assessed at 12 months.Results: The experimental group showed significantly better outcomes, significant reduction in unmet need and better satisfaction with services.Conclusions: The use of the community beds appears to have significant benefits for patients with SMI.