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A high-risk screen for psychiatric discharge planning
W R Christ1, J F Clarkin, J W Hull
1New York Hospital-Westchester Division, Cornell Medical Center, White Plains 10605.
Health & Social Work
|November 1, 1994
Summary
This study presents a 16-item high-risk screening list to identify psychiatric inpatients needing intensive aftercare planning. Early identification improves resource deployment and prevents treatment delays.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Social Work
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Accurate aftercare planning is crucial for psychiatric inpatients to ensure continuity of care and prevent readmissions.
- Identifying patients at high risk for aftercare difficulties upon admission can optimize resource allocation and intervention strategies.
Observation:
- A 16-item high-risk screening list was developed from previous analyses of discharge-delayed cases.
- The screening list's predictive capacity was evaluated by comparing admission and discharge risk scores in 448 psychiatric inpatients.
- Sixty-six percent of patients identified as high-risk at admission maintained their high-risk status at discharge.
Findings:
- The high-risk screen demonstrated significant accuracy in identifying patients likely to experience aftercare planning challenges.
- A notable agreement (66%) was observed between admission and discharge high-risk ratings.
- Significant demographic differences existed among the identified risk groups, suggesting varied patient needs.
Implications:
- Early identification of high-risk patients enables timely and targeted environmental interventions.
- The screening tool supports psychiatric social work by preventing treatment delays and optimizing resource management.
- Effective aftercare planning through early risk assessment enhances patient outcomes and hospital operational efficiency.