Feasibility of discharge of chronic psychiatric patients

In a survey of all (2795) chronic psychiatric patients resident in Victorian Mental Health Division hospitals, charge nurses were asked to assess patients' levels of physical and psychological dependence on nursing care, aggressive and difficult behaviour and their preferred future placement. The vast majority were 'old' chronic patients and nurses considered the present placement as the most appropriate for two-thirds of the surveyed population. We adopted our own criteria of placement needs, such as level of physical and psychological dependence, behavioural problems and treatment received. Of the 2795 patients, one-quarter (682) would require continuing hospital care. The remainder could be transferred, depending on their characteristics, to intensive or general nursing care homes, hostels or special accommodation houses, provided that such facilities are available and the participation of patients in various therapeutic activities was ensured.