Intersite variation in the impact of intensive psychiatric community care on hospital use

Differences among treatment facilities in effectiveness of intensive psychiatric community care (IPCC) for reducing hospital dependence are examined. Experimental data from nine VA hospitals showed IPCC to be most effective where former orientation to inpatient care was changing to improved accessibility of outpatient services. These hospitals appeared to have the greatest need for community care programs and to be most committed to shifting their system of service delivery.