Reorganization and quality management of psychiatric and substance abuse patients

We conducted a study in the mental health and behavioral sciences program at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital to determine if a recent reorganization of the mental health services had resulted in the efficient use of treatment resources according to patients' needs. The Brief Symptom Inventory was used to assess symptomatology when patients were admitted to the inpatient psychiatry, dual diagnosis, or substance abuse lodger units. The results indicated that the groups differ significantly from one another on eight of nine symptom dimensions and on all three global indices of psychopathology. The results also reinforced the supposition that patients are receiving appropriate treatment and that resources are being used efficiently.