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Evaluating patient-controlled admissions in adolescent psychiatric care: a quantitative study
Sanne Lemcke1, Tirill Fjellhaugen1,2, Anders Helles Carlsen1
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Patient-Controlled Admissions (PCA) significantly reduced outpatient contacts and hospital admissions for adolescents in a Danish psychiatric ward. This approach empowers young patients, improving their treatment outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Patient-Controlled Admissions (PCA) allow patients to initiate brief psychiatric stays independently.
- Existing research on PCA primarily focuses on adult psychiatry.
- This study explores PCA's effectiveness in a real-world adolescent psychiatric setting in Denmark.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the impact of Patient-Controlled Admissions (PCA) in an adolescent psychiatric ward.
- To evaluate PCA's effect on healthcare utilization among adolescent psychiatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 27 adolescent patients (15-20 years) with prior admissions and coercion were offered PCA.
- Data on outpatient contacts, admissions (voluntary/compulsory), inpatient days, and medication were collected for one year pre- and post-PCA.
- Electronic patient records were used for data extraction.
Main Results:
- PCA was associated with significant reductions in outpatient contacts (IRR 0.7) and overall admissions (IRR 0.8).
- Compulsory admissions decreased substantially (IRR 0.3), as did inpatient days (IRR 0.6).
- A trend towards reduced psychotropic medication was observed.
Conclusions:
- Patient-Controlled Admissions (PCA) demonstrated a positive effect on reducing healthcare needs for adolescents.
- PCA is an effective intervention for select adolescent psychiatric patients.
- Close collaboration with patients, families, and outpatient services is vital for successful PCA implementation.
