:: Volume 11, Issue 4 (9-2024) ::
2024, 11(4): 34-46 Back to browse issues page
The Relationship Between Outpatient Visits and Time to Readmission of Psychiatric Inpatients: An 8-Year Follow-Up Study
Mandana Haghshenas , Behnoosh Shahsavaripoor , Masoud AhmadzadAsl , Maryam Kheiry , Behnam Shariati , Farnoush Davoudi , Morteza Naserbakht
Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada , m.ahmadzad@gmail.com
Abstract:   (539 Views)
Introduction: Readmission is an important indicator of poor post-discharge management for psychiatric patients. This study explores the factors influencing psychiatric patient readmission, with a focus on post-discharge follow-up visits.
Materials & Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the clinical records of psychiatric inpatients over an eight-year period up to 2019. The relationship between various clinical factors during hospitalization (e.g., length of stay, diagnosis, treatment adherence) and post-discharge follow-up leading to readmission was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis.
Results:  The study revealed a 23% readmission rate. Gender, education, length of hospital stay, number of previous hospitalizations, and restraint during hospitalization showed significant associations with post-discharge visits (P < 0.05). Gender, place of hospitalization, and type of discharge were related to the timing of the first post-discharge visit (P < 0.05). Scheduling follow-up visits at discharge was significantly associated with post-discharge follow-up (p = 0.001).
Conclusion:  To reduce or delay readmissions, the study recommends increasing post-discharge visits, minimizing treating psychiatrists, scheduling outpatient follow-up upon discharge, providing psycho-education at discharge (particularly for women and individuals with higher education), addressing patients who leave against medical advice, and conducting telephone follow-up for high-risk patients.


 
Keywords: Patient Readmission, Psychiatry, Risk Factors, Outpatient
Full-Text [PDF 711 kb]   (210 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Psychology
Received: 2024/01/31 | Accepted: 2024/06/10 | Published: 2024/09/18
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