Post-discharge services and psychiatric rehospitalization among children and youth

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2010 Sep;37(5):433-45. doi: 10.1007/s10488-009-0263-6.

Abstract

This study examined risk and determinants of rehospitalization of children and adolescents (n = 186) following a first psychiatric hospitalization. It specifically examined the role of post-discharge services. Data were collected for a 30-month follow-up period through structured telephone interviews with caregivers and case record abstractions. 43% of youth experienced readmissions during the follow-up period. Risk of rehospitalization was highest during the first 30 days following discharge and remained elevated for 3 months. 72% of youth received 284 post-discharge services during the follow-up period, which significantly reduced the risk of rehospitalization. Longer first hospitalizations and a higher risk score at admission increased risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Discharge / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Readmission / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk
  • Socioeconomic Factors