A patient-based voucher system of brief hospitalisation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical use of a patient-based voucher system for brief hospitalisation.


METHODS
A 31-year-old male, chronically disabled, with schizophrenia, polysubstance, and borderline personality disorders presented concerns for the treating team.


METHODS
Management was community based except for a single admission in which the patient chose the timing and duration via a predetermined set of vouchers.


RESULTS
In contrast to previous admissions, a patient-chosen, voucher-based admission was single, brief and uneventful.


CONCLUSIONS
Novel approaches to chronically disabled patients with psychiatric illness enable change from therapeutic pessimism. A patient-based voucher system seemed to be of use in one patient.
Little
J
J
Grampians Psychiatric Services, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. psychmed@tpgi.com.au
Stephens
D
D
D000328:Adult; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000379:methods*; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D010343:Patient Admission; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods*; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome