Criteria for releasing patients from psychiatric hospitals

The authors conducted a pilot study to determine the kinds of criteria being used by mental health professionals in discharging patients from mental hospitals. Twenty-one criteria were identified in the first phase of the study, and 43 staff members later rated the items according to their perceived importance. Although there was general agreement on most of the items, reliable differences of opinion were expressed in some instances. The differences were attributed less to the respondents' professional discipline than to their hospital affiliation (VA or non-VA). The authors emphasize the need for developing a standardized list of discharge criteria and discuss uses for such criteria.