Short-term outcome of psychiatric inpatients with anorexia nervosa in the current care environment.
OBJECTIVE
The current study describes the short-term outcome of 61 inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN), utilizing a standardized protocol that could be completed by most patients within the typical length of stay (LOS) in an academic medical center in our geographic area.


METHODS
Patients were placed on disorder-specific and medication clinical pathways and completed questionnaires at admission and discharge. Diagnostic, historical, demographic, and treatment-related information was obtained.


RESULTS
Treatment was sufficient to resolve acute medical problems, initiate refeeding, and interrupt compensatory behaviors, but continued intensive treatment will be critical to full recovery. Patients were discharged at an average of 85% of ideal body weight (IBW). Twenty patients were discharged against medical advice (AMA). Clinical and demographic variables poorly predicted AMA status.


CONCLUSIONS
Attainable inpatient treatment goals in our care environment appear to be > or = 80% IBW at discharge, resolution of acute medical problems, and interruption of compensatory behaviors. Future research should examine whether shorter LOS increases readmission rates or long-term costs.
Treat
Teresa A
TA
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. teresa.treat@yale.edu
Gaskill
Jill A
JA
McCabe
Elizabeth B
EB
Ghinassi
Frank A
FA
Luczak
Amanda D
AD
Marcus
Marsha D
MD
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019985:Benchmarking; D019091:Critical Pathways; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D016015:Logistic Models; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States