Facility and Client Characteristics Associated with Follow-Up After Discharge from an Inpatient Psychiatric Facility
Research Data Brief
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Associated Project
National Surveys of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities
Prepared for:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Key Findings
- On average, 28 percent of people discharged from an inpatient psychiatric facility received follow-up care within seven days, and half received follow-up care within 30 days.
- Inpatient psychiatric facilities operated by for-profit organizations and public agencies had lower rates of follow-up care than those operated by nonprofit organizations. Facilities that served a higher proportion of clients who were involuntarily committed also had lower rates of follow-up care.
- Rates of follow-up care did not vary by facility discharge practices; the availability of outpatient services; or the age, gender, racial, or ethnic composition of inpatient clients.
People discharged from inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs) require timely follow-up care to reach their recovery goals and prevent readmissions. Several factors could influence the extent to which these people receive follow-up care, including the discharge practices of IPFs and the availability of outpatient services in the community. This study identified whether these factors were associated with the receipt of follow-up care for Medicare beneficiaries. The findings can inform strategies to target quality improvement to certain facilities and communities.
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