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06:52
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Why do adolescents return to an acute psychiatric unit?
Dawn Barker1, Rajeev Jairam, Antonella Rocca
1Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Subiaco, WA, Australia.
Summary
Male adolescents are more likely to be readmitted to psychiatric units. Identifying modifiable factors for adolescent psychiatric readmissions requires further long-term research.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Mental Health Services Research
Background:
- Adolescent psychiatric readmissions represent a significant challenge in mental health care.
- Understanding factors influencing readmission is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potentially modifiable factors associated with high readmission rates in adolescent psychiatric units.
- To analyze socio-demographic and clinical variables predicting readmission.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of case notes for 112 adolescents admitted to an acute psychiatric unit over one year.
- Comparison of variables between readmitted and non-readmitted patients within a 12-month post-discharge period.
Main Results:
- The 12-month readmission rate was 31%.
- Male gender was a significant predictor of readmission.
- No other statistically significant predictors were identified; trends suggested associations with bipolar disorder and adjustment disorders.
Conclusions:
- Readmission in adolescent psychiatry is multifactorial and may not be fully captured by chart reviews.
- Prospective, long-term follow-up studies are necessary to comprehensively understand and address adolescent psychiatric readmissions.
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