The effect of a new integrated mental health service on hospitalisation

The purpose of the present study was to partially evaluate a new integrated mental health service by monitoring inpatient lengths of stay. We hypothesised that the median cumulated length of stay for inpatients would decrease, and that the frequency of readmissions would not increase.

Data was collected for two 6-month periods before and after the introduction of an integrated mental health service (IMHS). Two functionally identical wards (G and E) were studied. Ward G was then integrated with the regional community psychiatry service, while Ward E remained non-integrated.

Following integration, the median cumulative length of stay in the IMHS's Ward G was more than halved in comparison with both its own baseline and with the non-integrated ward. The average length of stay of overdose patients at the regional general hospital that was serviced by the IMHS was also reduced from 2.6 days to 1.5 days. The non-IMHS ward had a non-significant increase in admissions and no change in cumulative length of stay.

The hypotheses of this study were supported by the results. Twelve beds were subsequently closed as a result of the efficiencies generated by integration. These findings support the model of true integration trailled here.