The evaluation of a hostel ward. A controlled study using modified cost-benefit analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Health Economics
• Geriatric Care

Background:

• Long-stay patients in district general hospitals often experience increasing psychotic impairments.
• Traditional hospital settings may not optimally foster domestic skills or community engagement for these individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a controlled cost-benefit evaluation of a hostel ward model for new long-stay patients.
• To compare patient outcomes and costs between a hostel ward and a district general hospital.

Main Methods:

• A modified cost-benefit analysis was performed over two years.
• Patient outcomes including psychotic impairments, domestic skills, community facility use, and constructive activities were assessed.
• Costs of care in the hostel ward were compared to the district general hospital.

Main Results:

• Hostel ward residents showed fewer psychotic impairments compared to hospital patients, who continued to acquire such defects.
• Hostel ward residents developed superior domestic skills and increased community facility use.
• Engagement in constructive activities was higher among hostel ward residents than controls.
• The cost of care in the hostel ward was less than that provided by the district general hospital.

Conclusions:

• A hostel ward model offers a cost-effective alternative for long-stay patients, improving their functional status and community integration.
• This model mitigates the progression of psychotic impairments often seen in traditional hospital settings.
• Specialized hostel care can lead to better patient outcomes without increased financial burden.