Citation

Wong YC, Chung DWS. Hong Kong J. Psychiatry 2006; 16(3): 109-116.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To explore the characteristics and short-term outcomes of mentally ill patients conditionally discharged in Hong Kong and identify factors associated with the risks of readmission 1 year after the first conditional discharge. Participants and Methods: A retrospective case notes review was undertaken. Subjects included all adult patients first conditionally discharged before 31 August 2005 and currently under the care of the psychiatric service of the New Territories East Cluster of Hong Kong. Socio-demographic data, clinical variables and outcomes during the first year after conditional discharge were retrieved. A comparison between patients with or without readmission was made using univariate and logistic regression analyses in order to identify risk factors associated with readmission.

RESULTS: A total of 140 subjects were included. The subjects were characterised by diagnoses of psychotic disorders, poor compliance with treatment, and a history of committing psychotically based serious dangerous acts in the recent past. In the first year after conditional discharge, 10% displayed violent behaviour, about 5% had forensic contacts, and 1% attempted suicide or deliberate self-harm. One-fourth of subjects were readmitted. Factors associated with readmission were prior psychiatric admissions, younger age on index date, persistent substance misuse, and being brought up in the care of the social welfare department.

CONCLUSIONS: Most subjects did not display violent behaviour 1 year after conditional discharge. The identification of avoidable risk factors for readmission such as persistent substance misuse sheds light on possible ways to enhance community aftercare. The results provide useful information for clinical practice, service provision, and future research. © 2006 Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; female; male; Hong Kong; psychosis; suicide attempt; risk assessment; Forecasting; prediction; risk factor; article; comparative study; major clinical study; mental disease; controlled study; clinical practice; retrospective study; community care; mental health service; social aspect; mental patient; hospital discharge; logistic regression analysis; social welfare; outcome assessment; hospital readmission; univariate analysis; Mentally ill persons; Patient readmission