Quality of care and use of less restrictive alternatives in the psychiatric emergency service.
OBJECTIVE
The study examined factors affecting clinicians' decisions in the psychiatric emergency service about referring patients to less restrictive alternatives to inpatient care. Indicators of quality of care and the severity of the patient's condition were a particular focus.


METHODS
Trained mental health professionals observed the evaluations of 425 patients in seven California county general hospitals. Multivariate modeling was used to examine variables thought to predict disposition to alternative care.


RESULTS
Less restrictive alternatives were available for 61 percent of the 425 patients and were used for 39 percent; they were overlooked by clinicians in 14 percent of cases and considered but not used in 8 percent. Patients' need for a controlled hospital setting, as indicated by the severity of their condition, was most important in determining use of hospital alternatives. Quality of care, especially the clinician's ability to engage patients in treatment at a level appropriate to their functioning, was also a significant predictor of whether alternative care was considered or used.


CONCLUSIONS
Under managed care, clinicians are under extreme economic pressure to use less restrictive alternatives, thereby reducing costly inpatient care. To ensure quality of care in general hospital emergency services, the development of supervised hospital alternatives is crucial. Clinicians should be encouraged to engage patients in treatment if appropriate use of alternative care is a goal.
Segal
S P
SP
Mental Health and Social Welfare Research Group, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA.
Watson
M A
MA
Akutsu
P D
PD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002140:California; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D003363:Cost Control; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000191:economics*; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000191:economics; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000191:economics*