title: Psychiatric follow-up studies. Practical procedures and ethical concerns.
abstract: The difficulties of performing prospective psychiatric follow-up studies have recently increased due to growing concern over the ethical issues involved. In a study to determine the efficacy of different lengths of psychiatric hospitalization 235 patients were followed for 2 years after study hospitalization. Data were obtained on more than 90 per cent of the patients. The cost of performing 100 follow-up interviews ranged from $9,169 for patients living within a 6-mile radius of the study site, to $17,942 for patients living within the contiguous United States. It is concluded that through persistent effort useful data can be obtained by follow-up of psychiatric patients, while maintaining ethical standards which include respect for the rights and wishes of the patient.
mesh_terms: D000359:Aftercare; D035841:Behavioral Research; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005190:Family; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007899:Leisure Activities; D007902:Length of Stay; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013689:Telephone