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A cohort through the revolving door.
Summary
This study identified characteristics of psychiatric patients with frequent readmissions. Multiply readmitted patients were more likely to be young, male, and unemployed, regardless of diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing psychiatric patient readmission is crucial for effective healthcare.
- Previous research indicates demographic and diagnostic factors play a role in patient readmission rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic and diagnostic characteristics of psychiatric patients with frequent readmissions.
- To explore differences between multiply readmitted patients and single-admission controls.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1722 patients admitted to urban psychiatric facilities was followed for up to seven years.
- Analysis focused on identifying characteristics of patients with more than three readmissions.
Main Results:
- 7% of the cohort (n=120) had more than three readmissions; these patients were more likely to be male, young, and unemployed.
- Among multiply readmitted patients, 53% (n=49) had non-psychotic diagnoses (e.g., alcoholism, personality disorders) and shared similar demographic risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Young, unemployed males, particularly those with non-psychotic disorders, represent a high-risk group for frequent psychiatric readmissions.
- Improved data collection and prospective patient monitoring are needed for further epidemiological studies on patient careers.