Characteristics of long-term mentally ill patients: policy implications.
This study examined the records of all psychiatric patients who were hospitalized over one year in a public sector institution. The 88 patients primarily were men, hospitalized under a penal code, Hawaiian or other ethnic minority, and unmarried. Over 74% were hospitalized under a penal code. The State is moving toward a capitated managed care environment for the seriously and persistently mentally ill. With the majority of the patients who are hospitalized under a penal code, changes in the public policy concerning their care is needed. If no changes are made, all of the existing hospital beds potentially could be filled with forensic patients.
Anders
R L
RL
School of Nursing, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged