Predictors of successful rehabilitation in long-stay patients

Fifty-one long-stay psychiatric patients admitted to a new rehabilitation unit were followed up for 3-4 years. Two groups were identified, one (n = 29) where significant progress had been made, and a second (n = 22) where no significant progress had been made. The groups were compared on a number of demographic measures and on measures of mental state, social behaviour, self-care skills, and work performance in hospital. The only items which successfully differentiated the groups related to self-care skills such as use of money, catering ability, and care of clothes. The implications of these findings for future rehabilitation policy are discussed.