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[Patient suitability for discharge from psychiatric hospitals]
E Etzersdorfer1, J Wancata, P Fischer
1Universitätsklinik für Tiefenpsychologie und Psychotherapie, Wien.
Psychiatrische Praxis
|July 8, 1998
Summary
A 1992 study found that over 75% of psychiatric inpatients in Lower Austria could be discharged if sufficient residential facilities were available, indicating significant potential for mental health reform.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The number of psychiatric inpatients in Lower Austria decreased by over 50% between 1974 and 1992.
- This study investigates the potential for further deinstitutionalization in mental healthcare facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of discharging psychiatric inpatients from two large mental hospitals in Lower Austria.
- To identify the proportion of patients suitable for discharge given adequate community support services.
Main Methods:
- A point prevalence study was conducted in 1992.
- Treating psychiatrists assessed patient discharge potential under the assumption of available residential facilities.
Main Results:
- The inpatient population decreased from 2179 in 1974 to 1032 in 1992.
- 75.7% of the 1992 patient population were deemed potentially dischargeable.
- A significant portion (41.5%) required permanently staffed residential care.
Conclusions:
- Despite a substantial reduction in inpatient numbers over 18 years, considerable potential for further reform exists in psychiatric care.
- The findings are notable as the assessment was performed by treating psychiatrists, who may have inherent biases.
- Further deinstitutionalization is possible with the development of comprehensive community-based mental health services.