INTRODUCTION: The deinstitutionalization of psychiatric hospitals has triggered a development of social institutions for mentally ill persons. In 1987 the psychiatric institution Sundbygård was changed for this purpose, and in 2001 enlarged. A survey in 1998 showed that the residents were mainly people suffering from schizophrenia with need for intensive psychiatric treatment. The usage of psychiatric hospital beds for residents increased from an average of 7.7 beds per day in 1998 to 10.2 beds in 2003. It was necessary to repeat the survey from 1998, this time adding an analysis of predictive factors for readmission to psychiatric ward. In the following, we will present the results of such an analysis. METHODS: The psychiatrist in charge of treatment evaluated the residents by the same methods as used in 1998 for demographic and clinical information in cooperation with the staff. While in 1998 there were 78 male and 69 female residents, in 2004 there were 90 males and 76 females. RESULTS: The median age of the residents declined from 1998 to 2004. The proportion of schizophrenics increased from 69 to 90%. Similar results were seen for alcohol and drug abusers, with an increase from 16 to 26%. Residents with forensic psychiatric sentences increased from 5 to 12 and residents with severe productive symptoms increased from 47 to 97. The median GAF score was 35. In 2004 the atypical antipsychotics were generally prescribed. Predictors for readmission to psychiatric ward were new residency, forensic psychiatric sentence and severity of productive symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study shows that from 1998 to 2004 the number and proportion of residents with a schizophrenia diagnosis and an active alcohol and drug abuse has increased. The need for psychiatric admissions also increased. Thus, reallocation of resources is needed.
Udgivelsesdato: 2007-Jan-22