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The effects of psychiatric hospitalization on behaviorally disordered children: a preliminary evaluation
R J Gerardot1, B A Thyer, P A Mabe
1Charter Hospital of Augusta, GA.
Insights
Child psychiatric treatment significantly improved patient outcomes, as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). This outcome research highlights treatment effectiveness in pediatric mental health services.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Mental Health Services Research
- Pediatric Psychology
Background:
- Growing demand for accountability in children's mental health services.
- Increased consumer awareness and reduced resource availability necessitate outcome evaluation.
- Need for evidence-based practices in pediatric psychiatric treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an inpatient psychiatric treatment program for children.
- To assess treatment outcomes using a standardized measure.
- To contribute to outcome research in pediatric mental health.
Main Methods:
- A single-group, pre- and post-test design was employed.
- The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used as the primary outcome measure.
- Data were collected from children undergoing inpatient psychiatric treatment at a public university hospital.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements were observed in Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores post-treatment.
- The findings indicate positive treatment effects on children's behavioral and emotional functioning.
- The study provides empirical support for the efficacy of the evaluated treatment program.
Conclusions:
- Inpatient psychiatric treatment demonstrated measurable benefits for children's mental health.
- Outcome research is crucial for accountability and resource allocation in pediatric mental health.
- Further research should explore the strengths and limitations of such treatment programs.
Abstract:
The importance of outcome research in the field of children's mental health treatment has increased in recent years because of enhanced consumer awareness, a decrease in available resources, and payers' demand for accountability. The present study evaluated the treatment program of a child psychiatric unit in a public university hospital in the southeastern United States. The research used a single-group, pre- and post-test design and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) as the outcome measure. Children receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvements in CBCL scores. The strengths and limitations of this study are discussed.