Characteristics of long-term mentally ill patients: policy implications

This study examined the records of all psychiatric patients who were hospitalized over one year in a public sector institution. The 88 patients primarily were men, hospitalized under a penal code, Hawaiian or other ethnic minority, and unmarried. Over 74% were hospitalized under a penal code. The State is moving toward a capitated managed care environment for the seriously and persistently mentally ill. With the majority of the patients who are hospitalized under a penal code, changes in the public policy concerning their care is needed. If no changes are made, all of the existing hospital beds potentially could be filled with forensic patients.