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Trends in inpatient detoxification services, 1992-1997
Tami L Mark1, Joan D Dilonardo, Mady Chalk
1The MEDSTAT Group, Inc., 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 330, Washington, DC 20008, USA. Tami.Mark@Medstat.Com
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
|December 24, 2002
Summary
Inpatient substance abuse detoxification use increased, but fewer patients received rehabilitation services. Opportunities to connect detoxification patients with rehabilitation are being missed.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Substance Abuse Treatment
Background:
- Inpatient detoxification is a critical entry point for substance abuse treatment.
- Integration with rehabilitation services is essential for sustained recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in inpatient substance abuse detoxification and concurrent rehabilitation use.
- To identify changes in length of stay and admission sources.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Healthcare Utilization and Cost Project - National Inpatient Survey (HCUP-NIS).
- Examination of trends between 1992 and 1997.
Main Results:
- The percentage of patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation alongside detoxification significantly decreased from 38.9% to 21.1%.
- Average length of stay for detoxification shortened by one third (7.7 to 5.2 days).
- Emergency room admissions for detoxification increased from 35.6% to 40.1%.
Conclusions:
- Despite increased detoxification admissions, the crucial link to rehabilitation services is weakening.
- Shorter detoxification stays and increased ER admissions may reduce opportunities for integrated care.
- Strategies are needed to improve the linkage between detoxification and rehabilitation.