Post-discharge services and psychiatric rehospitalization among children and youth.
This study examined risk and determinants of rehospitalization of children and adolescents (n = 186) following a first psychiatric hospitalization. It specifically examined the role of post-discharge services. Data were collected for a 30-month follow-up period through structured telephone interviews with caregivers and case record abstractions. 43% of youth experienced readmissions during the follow-up period. Risk of rehospitalization was highest during the first 30 days following discharge and remained elevated for 3 months. 72% of youth received 284 post-discharge services during the follow-up period, which significantly reduced the risk of rehospitalization. Longer first hospitalizations and a higher risk score at admission increased risk.
James
Sigrid
S
Department of Social Work & Social Ecology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. ssjames@llu.edu
Charlemagne
Sherma J
SJ
Gilman
Amanda B
AB
Alemi
Qais
Q
Smith
Rhoda L
RL
Tharayil
Priya R
PR
Freeman
Kimberly
K
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors