Determinants of once-only contact in a community-based psychiatric service.
BACKGROUND
This study examined variables associated with patients who had a once-only contact with the out-patient department of a Community Mental Health Service (CMHS).


METHODS
Using the South-Verona Psychiatric Case Register (PCR), an 8-year cohort of patients who had a new episode of care with the out-patient department of the South Verona CMHS was followed up for 3 months after the first contact, to identify those patients who had no further contact with the service. Potential determinants of once-only contact were analysed.


RESULTS
A total of 2,446 new episodes of care met the inclusion criteria of the study. Of those, 734 (30%) were once-only contacts with the service. Compared to patients with more than one contact, patients who had a once-only contact were older, more likely to be male, had a lower socio-economic status and less severe psychiatric diagnosis. They were more likely to be referred by consultation/liaison or emergency room.


CONCLUSIONS
Multivariate analysis revealed that having a less severe psychiatric diagnosis was the most significant determinant of once-only contact with a CMHS. The results suggest that the behaviour of referring agents in selecting patients and preparing them for treatment merits further investigation.
Rossi
Alberto
A
Dept. of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Ospedale Clinico, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy. alberto.rossi@medicina.unvr.it
Amaddeo
Francesco
F
Sandri
Marco
M
Tansella
Michele
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003710:Demography; D017050:Episode of Care; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012042:Registries