Inpatient service utilization as a function of referral source

In a comparative, retrospective study, the authors investigated the use of a psychiatric inpatient service by the emergency and consultation services in a public general hospital. The investigators collected data from a three-year period regarding demographic, clinical and hospital stay variables associated with all patients admitted for inpatient care. Consultation service patients were more likely than emergency service patients to have attempted suicide and to have a diagnosable medical condition. They were less likely to have a prior psychiatric admission or to have schizophrenia or other psychotic conditions. The authors discuss these and other findings in terms of policy and clinical practice.