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Effect Upon Rehospitalization

Pearl M. Driemen, MD; Carol Crosby Minard, MSW

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1971;24(1):87-90.

Abstract
One hundred and twelve Metropolitan State Hospital patients on two regionalized wards were observed from March 1967 through March 1969 during hospitalization and while on leave of absence. The return rate dropped from the usual 40.0% to 70.0% to 9.8%. The patients were followed by the same professional team, received psychotropic drugs, were offered long-term psychotherapy, family therapy, and assistance with financial, living, and vocational plans. Better communication between the mental hospital and its community was felt to be a significant factor in the sharp reduction of readmission rates.

Author Affiliations
Norwalk, Calif; Pomona, Calif

From the Metropolitan State Hospital, Norwalk, Calif (Dr. Driemen), and the Community Services Division of State Department of Social Welfare, Pomona, Calif (Mrs. Minard).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication April 13, 1970.

Reprint requests to the Department of Mental Hygiene, Metropolitan State Hospital, 11400 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk, Calif 90650 (Dr. Driemen).

Read before the Western Divisional Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, Seattle, Aug 25, 1969.