Postdischarge follow-up of psychiatric inpatients and readmission in an HMO setting

Psychiatr Serv. 1995 Sep;46(9):943-5. doi: 10.1176/ps.46.9.943.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between follow-up and rehospitalization of inpatients discharged from treatment in two divisions of a health maintenance organization (HMO). Among 580 patients discharged, two-thirds made a follow-up visit within 30 days. Slightly less than a third were readmitted within six months. Readmission was less likely for patients who made a follow-up visit and for men. Patients who had a preadmission relationship with a mental health practitioner were more likely to make a follow-up visit and were more likely to be readmitted. Follow-up was also associated with diagnoses of adjustment and affective disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjustment Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Maintenance Organizations*
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Massachusetts
  • Mood Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Patient Readmission / statistics & numerical data*
  • Professional-Patient Relations