Patients who benefit from psychiatric admission in the general hospital

Authors

  • Paulo Dalgalarrondo Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Faculdade de Ciências Médicas; Departamento de Psicologia Médica e Psiquiatria
  • Neury J Botega Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Faculdade de Ciências Médicas; Departamento de Psicologia Médica e Psiquiatria
  • Cláudio E M Banzato Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Faculdade de Ciências Médicas; Departamento de Psicologia Médica e Psiquiatria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102003000500013

Keywords:

Hospitalization, Length of stay, Inpatients, Psychiatry, Hospitals, general, Psychiatric department, hospital, Socioeconomic factors, Rehabilitation

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Psychiatric hospitalization though burdensome remains a very important therapeutic option for severely-ill psychiatric patients. Hospitalization in general hospital psychiatry units (GHPU) are often regarded as the best option. A study was carried out with the purpose of assessing socioeconomic and medical variables associated with success and failure of hospitalization. METHODS: A review was performed on sociodemographics and medical data of 1,463 patients admitted to a general hospital's GHPU in the period between 1986 and 1997. Statistical analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate polythomic logistic regression. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis three factors were identified as associated to poor hospitalization outcomes (poor condition at discharge and longer hospital stay): age >;60 years, poor social functioning, and diagnosis of organic mental disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Although 80% of the patients experienced a considerable symptomatic improvement, a small group benefited less from hospitalization. It is suggestive that these patients would benefit more from psychosocial interventions.

Published

2003-10-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Dalgalarrondo, P., Botega, N. J., & Banzato, C. E. M. (2003). Patients who benefit from psychiatric admission in the general hospital . Revista De Saúde Pública, 37(5), 629-634. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102003000500013