Effectiveness of a Brief Care Management Intervention for Reducing Psychiatric Hospitalization Readmissions

This study examines a recovery-focused care management bridging strategy implemented during time of inpatient stay with the goal to increase engagement in aftercare and reduce early psychiatric readmissions. The sample included 195 individuals who received care from a large psychiatric specialty hospital. Eighty-seven individuals were assigned to receive the intervention, while 108 individuals were assigned to the control group. Individuals in the intervention group received a brief interview prior to inpatient discharge plus usual care, and individuals in the control group received usual care. After controlling for age, living situation, and utilization, individuals in the control group were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days of an index readmission than individuals in the intervention group (OR = 2.44, p = .02). Bridging strategies utilized prior to discharge for individuals at higher risk of early mental health inpatient readmission may be used as an effective alternative to more costly interventions.