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Myklebust LH, Sørgaard K, Wynn R. How mental health service systems are organized may affect the rate of acute admissions to specialized care: Report from a natural experiment involving 5338 admissions. SAGE Open Med 2017; 5:2050312117724311. [PMID: 28839939 PMCID: PMC5546644 DOI: 10.1177/2050312117724311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Studies on the dynamics between service organization and acute admissions to psychiatric specialized care have given ambiguous results. We studied the effect of several variables, including service organization, coercion, and patient characteristics on the rate of acute admissions to psychiatric specialist services. In a natural experiment-like study in Norway, we compared a “deinstitutionalized” and a “locally institutionalized” model of mental health services. One had only community outpatient care and used beds at a large Central Mental Hospital; the other also had small bed-units at the local District Psychiatric Centre. Methods: From the case registries, we identified a total of 5338 admissions, which represented all the admissions to the psychiatric specialist services from 2003 to 2006. The data were analyzed with chi-square tests and Z-tests. In order to control for possible confounders and interaction effects, a multivariate analysis was also performed, with a logistic regression model. Results: The use of coercion emerged as the strongest predictor of acute admissions to specialist care (odds ratio = 7.377, 95% confidence interval = 4.131–13.174) followed by service organization (odds ratio = 3.247, 95% confidence interval = 2.582–4.083). Diagnoses of patients predicted acute admissions to a lesser extent. We found that having psychiatric beds available at small local institutions rather than beds at a Central Mental Hospital appeared to decrease the rate of acute admissions. Conclusion: While it is likely that the seriousness of the patients’ condition is the most important factor in doctors’ decisions to refer psychiatric patients acutely, other variables are likely to be important. This study suggests that the organization of mental health services is of importance to the rate of acute admissions to specialized psychiatric care. Systems with beds at local District Psychiatric Centers may reduce the rate of acute admissions to specialized care, compared to systems with local community outpatient services and beds at Central Mental Hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Henrik Myklebust
- Psychiatric Research Centre of Northern Norway, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Knut Sørgaard
- Psychiatric Research Centre of Northern Norway, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rolf Wynn
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Division of Mental Health and Addictions, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Myklebust LH, Sørgaard K, Wynn R. Local inpatient units may increase patients' utilization of outpatient services: a comparative cohort-study in Nordland County, Norway. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2015; 8:251-7. [PMID: 26604843 PMCID: PMC4630195 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s94857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the last few decades, there has been a restructuring of the psychiatric services in many countries. The complexity of these systems may represent a challenge to patients that suffer from serious psychiatric disorders. We examined whether local integration of inpatient and outpatient services in contrast to centralized institutions strengthened continuity of care. METHODS Two different service-systems were compared. Service-utilization over a 4-year period for 690 inpatients was extracted from the patient registries. The results were controlled for demographic variables, model of service-system, central inpatient admission or local inpatient admission, diagnoses, and duration of inpatient stays. RESULTS The majority of inpatients in the area with local integration of inpatient and outpatient services used both types of care. In the area that did not have beds locally, many patients that had been hospitalized did not receive outpatient follow-up. Predictors of inpatients' use of outpatient psychiatric care were: Model of service-system (centralized vs decentralized), a diagnosis of affective disorder, central inpatient admission only, and duration of inpatient stays. CONCLUSION Psychiatric centers with local inpatient units may positively affect continuity of care for patients with severe psychiatric disorders, probably because of a high functional integration of inpatient and outpatient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Knut Sørgaard
- Psychiatric Research Centre of North Norway, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway ; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rolf Wynn
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Cheng KD, Huang CJ, Tsang HY, Lin CH. Factors related to missed first appointments after discharge among patients with schizophrenia in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2014; 113:436-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2012.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Hoertel N, Limosin F, Leleu H. Poor longitudinal continuity of care is associated with an increased mortality rate among patients with mental disorders: results from the French National Health Insurance Reimbursement Database. Eur Psychiatry 2014; 29:358-64. [PMID: 24439514 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the impact of the continuity of care (COC) on health outcomes in patients with mental illness is limited. This observational study examined whether the longitudinal COC is associated with a decreased likelihood of death among patients with mental disorders in the French general population. METHOD Data were derived from the French National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement database. Patients with any mental disorder who visited a psychiatrist at least twice within 6 months were included. The primary endpoint was death by all causes. We measured longitudinal COC with a psychiatrist twice a year between 2007 and 2010, using the COC index developed by Bice and Boxerman. The COC index was analysed as a time-dependent variable in a survival analysis after adjustments for age, gender and stratifying on comorbidities and social status. RESULTS Among 14,515 patients visiting a psychiatrist at least twice in 6 months and tracked over 3 years, likelihood of death was significantly lower in patients with higher continuity of care (hazard ratio for an increase in 0.1 of continuity, adjusted for age, sex, and stratified on comorbidities and social status: 0.83 [0.83-0.83]), particularly in those with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. CONCLUSION Improving longitudinal continuity of care in mental health care may contribute to substantially decrease mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hoertel
- Department of Psychiatry, assistance publique-hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Corentin-Celton Hospital, 4, parvis Corentin-Celton, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux, France; Inserm UMR 894, Psychiatry and Neurosciences Center, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, PRES Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France.
| | - F Limosin
- Department of Psychiatry, assistance publique-hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Corentin-Celton Hospital, 4, parvis Corentin-Celton, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux, France; Inserm UMR 894, Psychiatry and Neurosciences Center, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, PRES Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - H Leleu
- COMPAQ-HPST, INSERM U988, institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France
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Abstract
PURPOSE Continuity of care among different clinicians refers to consistent and coherent care management and good measures are needed. We conducted a metasummary of qualitative studies of patients' experience with care to identify measurable elements that recur over a variety of contexts and health conditions as the basis for a generic measure of management continuity. METHODS From an initial list of 514 potential studies (1997-2007), 33 met our criteria of using qualitative methods and exploring patients' experiences of health care from various clinicians over time. They were coded independently. Consensus meetings minimized conceptual overlap between codes. RESULTS For patients, continuity of care is experienced as security and confidence rather than seamlessness. Coordination and information transfer between professionals are assumed until proven otherwise. Care plans help clinician coordination but are rarely discerned as such by patients. Knowing what to expect and having contingency plans provides security. Information transfer includes information given to the patient, especially to support an active role in giving and receiving information, monitoring, and self-management. Having a single trusted clinician who helps navigate the system and sees the patient as a partner undergirds the experience of continuity between clinicians. CONCLUSION Some dimensions of continuity, such as coordination and communication among clinicians, are perceived and best assessed indirectly by patients through failures and gaps (discontinuity). Patients experience continuity directly through receiving information, having confidence and security on the care pathway, and having a relationship with a trusted clinician who anchors continuity.
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Sweeney A, Rose D, Clement S, Jichi F, Jones IR, Burns T, Catty J, Mclaren S, Wykes T. Understanding service user-defined continuity of care and its relationship to health and social measures: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2012; 12:145. [PMID: 22682145 PMCID: PMC3437199 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-12-145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the importance of continuity of care [COC] in contemporary mental health service provision, COC lacks a clearly agreed definition. Furthermore, whilst there is broad agreement that definitions should include service users' experiences, little is known about this. This paper aims to explore a new construct of service user-defined COC and its relationship to a range of health and social outcomes. METHODS In a cross sectional study design, 167 people who experience psychosis participated in structured interviews, including a service user-generated COC measure (CONTINU-UM) and health and social assessments. Constructs underlying CONTINU-UM were explored using factor analysis in order to understand service user-defined COC. The relationships between the total/factor CONTINU-UM scores and the health and social measures were then explored through linear regression and an examination of quartile results in order to assess whether service user-defined COC is related to outcome. RESULTS Service user-defined COC is underpinned by three sub-constructs: preconditions, staff-related continuity and care contacts, although internal consistency of some sub-scales was low. High COC as assessed via CONTINU-UM, including preconditions and staff-related COC, was related to having needs met and better therapeutic alliances. Preconditions for COC were additionally related to symptoms and quality of life. COC was unrelated to empowerment and care contacts unrelated to outcomes. Service users who had experienced a hospital admission experienced higher levels of COC. A minority of service users with the poorest continuity of care also had high BPRS scores and poor quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Service-user defined continuity of care is a measurable construct underpinned by three sub-constructs (preconditions, staff-related and care contacts). COC and its sub-constructs demonstrate a range of relationships with health and social measures. Clinicians have an important role to play in supporting service users to navigate the complexities of the mental health system. Having experienced a hospital admission does not necessarily disrupt the flow of care. Further research is needed to test whether increasing service user-defined COC can improve clinical outcomes. Using CONTINU-UM will allow researchers to assess service users' experiences of COC based on the elements that are important from their perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Sweeney
- Mental Health Sciences Unit, University College London, London, UK.
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Myklebust LH, Olstad R, Bjorbekkmo S, Eisemann M, Wynn R, Sørgaard K. Impact on continuity of care of decentralized versus partly centralized mental health care in Northern Norway. Int J Integr Care 2011; 11:e142. [PMID: 22359521 PMCID: PMC3280921 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The issue of continuity of care is central in contemporary psychiatric services research. In Norway, inpatient admissions are mainly to take place locally, in a system of small bed-units that represent an alternative to traditional central psychiatric hospitals. This type of organization may be advantageous for accessibility and cooperation, but has been given little scientific attention. AIMS To study whether inpatients' utilization of outpatient services differ between an area with a decentralized care model in comparison to an adjacent area with a partly centralized model. METHOD The study was based on data from a one-year registered prevalence sample, drawing on routinely sampled data supplemented with data from medical records. Service-utilization for 247 inpatients was analyzed. The results were controlled for diagnosis, demographic variables, type of service system, localization of inpatient admissions, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS Most inpatients in the area with the decentralized care model also utilized outpatient consultations, whereas a considerable number of inpatients in the area with a partly centralized model did not enter outpatient care at all. Type of service system, localization of inpatient admission, and length of hospitalization predicted inpatients' utilization of outpatient consultations. The results are discussed in the light of systems integration, particularly management-arrangements and clinical bridging over the transitional phase from inpatient to outpatient care. CONCLUSION Inpatients' utilization of outpatient services differed between an area with a decentralized care model in comparison to an adjacent area with a partly centralized care model. In the areas studied, extensive decentralization of the psychiatric services positively affected coordination of inpatient and outpatient services for people with severe psychiatric disorders. Small, local-bed units may therefore represent a favourable alternative to traditional central psychiatric hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Henrik Myklebust
- Psychiatric Research Centre of North Norway, Nordland Hospital Trust, N-8092 Bodø, Norway
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Fleury MJ, Grenier G, Bamvita JM, Caron J. Mental health service utilization among patients with severe mental disorders. Community Ment Health J 2011; 47:365-77. [PMID: 20490675 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-010-9320-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In light of healthcare reforms, the study aims to assess variables associated with mental healthcare service utilization in general and in both primary and specialized care by patients with severe mental disorders (SMD, mainly schizophrenia). The study is based on a sample of 140 patients with SMD from five regions in Quebec (Canada). Variables were organized in accordance with Andersen's conceptual model into four factors: predisposing, enabling, needs, and service utilization. Secondary analyses were also conducted comparing patients who were hospitalized or used emergency rooms (H.ER-Group) with patients who did not use such services (WH.ER-Group). Accessibility of services, continuity of care, and having a case manager appear to be core variables that enable service utilization. Compared with the WH.ER-Group, the H.ER-Group used twice as many services. The study highlights the importance of developing a gamut of coordinated services, easily accessible in local networks, including case managers, family physicians, and shared-care development.
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Puschner B, Steffen S, Völker KA, Spitzer C, Gaebel W, Janssen B, Klein HE, Spiessl H, Steinert T, Grempler J, Muche R, Becker T. Needs-oriented discharge planning for high utilisers of psychiatric services: multicentre randomised controlled trial. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2011; 20:181-92. [PMID: 21714365 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796011000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Attempts to reduce high utilisation of mental health inpatient care by targeting the critical time of hospital discharge are rare. In this study, we test the effect of a needs-oriented discharge planning intervention on number and duration of psychiatric inpatient treatment episodes (primary), as well as on outpatient service use, needs, psychopathology, depression and quality of life (secondary). METHODS Four hundred and ninety-one adults with a defined high utilisation of mental health care gave informed consent to participate in a multicentre RCT carried out at five psychiatric hospitals in Germany (Düsseldorf, Greifswald, Regensburg, Ravensburg and Günzburg). Subjects allocated to the intervention group were offered a manualised needs-led discharge planning and monitoring intervention with two intertwined sessions administered at hospital discharge and 3 months thereafter. Outcomes were assessed at four measurement points during a period of 18 months following discharge. RESULTS Intention-to-treat analyses showed no effect of the intervention on primary or secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Process evaluation pending, the intervention cannot be recommended for implementation in routine care. Other approaches, e.g. team-based community care, might be more beneficial for people with persistent and severe mental illness.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine and estimate the efficacy of discharge planning interventions in mental health care from in-patient to out-patient treatment on improving patient outcome, ensuring community tenure, and saving costs. METHOD A systematic review and meta-analysis identified studies through an electronic search on the basis of defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted data. RESULTS Of eleven studies included, six were randomised controlled trials, three were controlled clinical trials, and two were cohort studies. The discharge planning strategies used varied widely, most were limited to preparation of discharge during in-patient treatment. Pooled risk ratios were 0.66 (95% CI = 0.51 to 0.84; P < 0.001) for hospital readmission rate, and 1.25 (1.07 to 1.47; P < 0.001) for adherence to out-patient treatment. Effect sizes (Hedge's g) were -0.25 (-0.45 to -0.05; P = 0.02) for mental health outcome, and 0.11(-0.05 to 0.28; NS) for quality of life. CONCLUSION Discharge planning interventions are effective in reducing rehospitalisation and in improving adherence to aftercare among people with mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Steffen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II, BKH Guenzburg, Ulm University, Guenzburg, Germany.
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Puschner B, Steffen S, Gaebel W, Freyberger H, Klein HE, Steinert T, Muche R, Becker T. Needs-oriented discharge planning and monitoring for high utilisers of psychiatric services (NODPAM): design and methods. BMC Health Serv Res 2008; 8:152. [PMID: 18644110 PMCID: PMC2492857 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-8-152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Accepted: 07/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Attempts to reduce high utilisation of psychiatric inpatient care by targeting the critical time of hospital discharge have been rare. Methods This paper presents design and methods of the study "Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Needs-Oriented Discharge Planning and Monitoring for High Utilisers of Psychiatric Services" (NODPAM), a multicentre RCT conducted in five psychiatric hospitals in Germany. Inclusion criteria are receipt of inpatient psychiatric care, adult age, diagnosis of schizophrenia or affective disorder, defined high utilisation of psychiatric care during two years prior to the current admission, and given informed consent. Consecutive recruitment started in April 2006. Since then, during a period of 18 months, comprehensive outcome data of 490 participants is being collected at baseline and during three follow-up measurement points. The manualised intervention applies principles of needs-led care and focuses on the inpatient-outpatient transition. A trained intervention worker provides two intervention sessions: (a) Discharge planning: Just before discharge with the patient and responsible clinician at the inpatient service; (b) Monitoring: Three months after discharge with the patient and outpatient clinician. A written treatment plan is signed by all participants after each session. Primary endpoints are whether participants in the intervention group will show fewer hospital days and readmissions to hospital. Secondary endpoints are better compliance with aftercare, better clinical outcome and quality of life, as well as cost-effectiveness and cost-utility. Discussion If a needs-oriented discharge planning and monitoring proves to be successful in this RCT, a tool will be at hand to improve patient outcome and reduce costs via harmonising fragmented mental health service provision. Trial Registration ISRCTN59603527
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Puschner
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, BKH Günzburg, Ludwig-Heilmeyer-Str. 2, 89312 Günzburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Continuity of care is a concern for mental health clients in the post deinstitutionalization era of community care. A proposed solution is systems integration. This paper reviewed research on systems integration, focusing on continuity of care outcomes. A positive association between systems integration and client continuity of care was consistently demonstrated. Better results were obtained in systems characterized by stronger management arrangements, fewer service sectors, and system wide implementation of intensive case management and centralized access to services. Future research should evaluate a wider range of systems integrating mechanisms, using client-based measures that more directly represent continuity of care experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Durbin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Miettunen J, Lauronen E, Veijola J, Koponen H, Saarento O, Taanila A, Isohanni M. Socio-demographic and clinical predictors of occupational status in schizophrenic psychoses--follow-up within the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort. Psychiatry Res 2007; 150:217-25. [PMID: 17316827 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2006.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2006] [Revised: 06/16/2006] [Accepted: 08/30/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We studied occupational status of persons with schizophrenic psychoses by age 34 in a longitudinal population-based cohort and predicted which demographic and illness-related factors could support the patients to maintain their occupational capacity. Subjects of the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort with the diagnosis of DSM-III-R schizophrenic psychoses (n=113) by the year 1997 were followed until the end of year 2000. Various illness and socio-demographic factors at the time of onset of illness were used as predictors. At the end of the follow-up time 50 (44%) of patients were not pensioned and 22 (20%) were also working at least half of the time during year 2000. After adjusting for gender, being unemployed at onset, educational level and proportion of time spent in psychiatric hospitals, those who were married or cohabiting at the time of onset of illness were less often on pension than those who were single (OR 6.51; 95% CI 1.83-23.12). Thus, nearly half of the patients with schizophrenic psychoses were not pensioned after an average 10 years follow-up. Based on our findings, those who were single at time of their onset of illness probably need most support to retain their contacts to work life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jouko Miettunen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oulu, P.O.Box 5000, 90014 Oulun Yliopisto, Finland.
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Stahler GJ, Mazzella S, Mennis J, Chakravorty S, Rengert G, Spiga R. The effect of individual, program, and neighborhood variables on continuity of treatment among dually diagnosed individuals. Drug Alcohol Depend 2007; 87:54-62. [PMID: 16962255 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2006.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2006] [Revised: 07/28/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study reviewed the medical charts of 271 patients diagnosed with co-morbid mental health and substance-use disorders who were discharged from a hospital acute inpatient unit to various outpatient treatment programs in Philadelphia. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and logistic regression modeling were employed to investigate the effects of individual, neighborhood, and program-level variables on arrival to the first treatment appointment within 30 days of discharge. Four models are presented. The results of the study suggest that having had three or more treatment episodes prior to inpatient hospitalization, and living in a neighborhood in which temporary or transitional, and presumably, other low income housing is located, increased the likelihood of patients continuing with treatment in the community. Discharge to the preadmission address, a chief complaint of bizarre behavior, close proximity of two or more liquor and/or beer stores, a high density of narcotics anonymous (NA) and/or alcoholics anonymous (AA) meetings within the neighborhood, an axis I diagnosis of substance-induced mood disorder, and a urine drug screen positive for heroin reduced the likelihood of attending outpatient treatment. We conclude that geographic and community variables as they relate to substance abuse may add an important dimension to our understanding of patient functioning and well being in the community following inpatient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Stahler
- Department of Geography and Urban Studies, 309 Gladfelter Hall, Temple University (025-27), Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
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Junghan UM, Brenner HD. Heavy use of acute in-patient psychiatric services: the challenge to translate a utilization pattern into service provision. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl 2006:24-32. [PMID: 16445478 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2005.00713.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is an inequality in resource utilization among acute psychiatric in-patients. About 20-30% of them absorb 60-80% of the total resources allocated to this form of treatment. This study intends to summarize findings related to heavy in-patient service use and to illustrate them by means of utilization data for acute psychiatric wards. METHOD Longitudinal assessment of consecutive acute in-patients hospitalized for the first time. Analysis of individual utilization patterns by using latent class cluster analysis. RESULTS Four groups with different utilization patterns were found all including heavy service users. In most cases heavy service use was temporary and could only be poorly predicted. CONCLUSION Specific preventive interventions to contain heavy service use seem to be out of reach for the majority of high utilizing patients. However, services that have proven effective in reducing admissions to in-patient treatment and length of stay may nevertheless help to reduce heavy service use.
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Affiliation(s)
- U M Junghan
- University Hospital for Social and Community Psychiatry, Bern, Switzerland.
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Miettunen J, Lauronen E, Veijola J, Koponen H, Saarento O, Isohanni M. Patterns of psychiatric hospitalizations in schizophrenic psychoses within the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort. Nord J Psychiatry 2006; 60:286-93. [PMID: 16923637 DOI: 10.1080/08039480600790168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We report patterns of hospitalization in schizophrenic psychoses by age 34 in a longitudinal population-based cohort. We test the predictive ability of various demographic and illness-related variables on patterns of hospitalization, with a special focus on the length of the first psychiatric hospitalization. All living subjects of the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort with DSM-III-R schizophrenia (n=88) and other schizophrenia spectrum cases (n=27) by the year 1997 in the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register were followed for an average of 10.5 years. Measures of psychiatric hospitalization included time to re-hospitalization (as continuous and as re-hospitalization within 2 years) and the number of hospital episodes. Length of the first hospitalization, other illness-related and various socio-demographic predictors were used to predict hospitalization patterns. After adjusting for gender, age at first admission and number of hospital days a short (1-14 days) first hospitalization (reference >30 days; adjusted odds ratio 6.39; 95% CI 2.00-20.41) and familial risk of psychosis (OR 3.36; 1.09-10.39) predicted re-hospitalization within 2 years. A short first hospitalization also predicted frequent psychiatric admissions defined as the first three admissions within 3 years (OR 13.77; 3.92-48.36). A short first hospitalization was linked to increased risk of re-hospitalizations. Although short hospitalization is recommended by several guidelines, there may be a group of patients with schizophrenic psychoses in which too short a hospitalization may lead to inadequate treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jouko Miettunen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, FIN-90014, Finland.
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Hellesø R, Lorensen M. Inter-organizational continuity of care and the electronic patient record: A concept development. Int J Nurs Stud 2005; 42:807-22. [PMID: 16019003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2004.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2004] [Revised: 07/05/2004] [Accepted: 07/08/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
There is an expectation that the use of electronic patient records will contribute to continuity of care across organizations for the growing number of elderly and chronically ill people who need continuing nursing care after an episode of hospitalization. This article aims to explore the concept of inter-organizational continuity of care and to address the contribution, expectations and promises associated with the advent of the electronic patient record. A content analysis of the literature concerning concept development provided a model which indicates that inter-organizational continuity is a multidimensional concept, comprising individual and organizational perspectives with qualitative and quantitative properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Hellesø
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1153 Blindern, NO-0318 Oslo, Norway.
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Durbin J, Goering P, Streiner DL, Pink G. Continuity of care: validation of a new self-report measure for individuals using mental health services. J Behav Health Serv Res 2004; 31:279-96. [PMID: 15263867 DOI: 10.1007/bf02287291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Continuity of care is a concern for individuals with persistent mental illness who need diverse services over time in response to multiple and changing needs. Efforts to study continuity have been hampered by lack of appropriate instruments. The Alberta Continuity of Services Scale--Mental Health is a newly developed, self-report scale that assesses continuity of care across settings and providers. This study examined the structure, reliability, and validity of the measure among users of community mental health programs. Findings were positive. Scores captured both positive and negative perceptions of care. Factor analyses elucidated 3 components of continuity--system access, interpersonal aspects, and care team function. Associations between the continuity scores and selected client and service use measures supported its validity. The tool holds promise for system monitoring, but would need refinements to create a shorter, conceptually clearer version. Also, performance among individuals with mild and very severe levels of mental illness needs to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Durbin
- Health Systems Research and Consulting Unit, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Joyce AS, Wild TC, Adair CE, McDougall GM, Gordon A, Costigan N, Beckie A, Kowalsky L, Pasmeny G, Barnes F. Continuity of care in mental health services: toward clarifying the construct. Can J Psychiatry 2004; 49:539-50. [PMID: 15453103 DOI: 10.1177/070674370404900805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify "continuity of care" (COC), a construct associated with the delivery of services for persons suffering from severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), with attention to the service recipient's perception of COC. METHOD The study involved a systematic appraisal of the literature on COC, supplemented by interviews with 36 SPMI patients and their families. Statements highlighting attributes of COC were extracted from both sources. RESULTS Comments by patients and families corresponded to descriptions of COC in the mental health literature. Attribute classifications by independent teams of judges showed good consistency. The following 4 attribute domains of the COC construct were identified: service delivery, accessibility, relationship base, and individualized care. CONCLUSIONS Service recipients' perceptions of COC overlapped with representations of the construct in the mental health literature. The qualitative inquiry resulted in a draft, 47-item, self-report questionnaire for use in studies of interventions designed to facilitate COC.
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