title: Postdischarge follow-up of psychiatric inpatients and readmission in an HMO setting.
abstract: This study examined the relationship between follow-up and rehospitalization of inpatients discharged from treatment in two divisions of a health maintenance organization (HMO). Among 580 patients discharged, two-thirds made a follow-up visit within 30 days. Slightly less than a third were readmitted within six months. Readmission was less likely for patients who made a follow-up visit and for men. Patients who had a preadmission relationship with a mental health practitioner were more likely to make a follow-up visit and were more likely to be readmitted. Follow-up was also associated with diagnoses of adjustment and affective disorders.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Community Health Plan, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Schoenbaum
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cookson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stelovich
mesh_terms: D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations