A new Cochrane systematic review has been published looking into
the length of stay in hospitals for those with severe mental
illness.
The review aims to determine what length of stay in hospital is
the most helpful and is now based on a 2012 search. Six randomised
trials are included that compare short stay in hospital with either
long stay in hospital or standard care. No differences were found
between groups in readmission to hospital, mental state, leaving
the study early, risk of death and people lost to follow-up. There
was a significant difference favouring short-stay hospitalisation
for social functioning. There was limited information that
suggested that short-stay hospitalisation does not encourage a
'revolving door' pattern of admission to hospital and disjointed or
poor care.
The plain language summary within the review states that "This
should reassure people with mental illness coming into hospital
that a short stay (of less than 28 days) means they are no more
likely to be readmitted, to leave hospital abruptly, or to lose
contact with services after leaving hospital than if they received
long-stay care. Short-stay patients are also more likely to leave
hospital on their planned discharge date and possibly have a
greater chance of finding employment. For psychiatrists, policy
makers and health professionals it is important to know that
short-stay hospitalisation does not lead to a 'revolving door'
pattern of admission to hospital and poor or fragmented care."
The full review can be found by the link below:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000384.pub3/pdf
