Predictors of Continuity of Care after Inpatient Discharge of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Retrospective Chart Review Study in a University Hospital

Wang, Hee Ryung; Woo, Young Sup; Jung, Young Eun; Song, Hoo Rim; Jun, Tae Youn; Bahk, Won Myong

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study aims to identify sociodemographic and disease-related variables associated with continuity of outpatient treatment after discharge of patient with schizophrenia in a university hospital.
METHODS
The medical records of patients who discharged with the diagnosis of schizophrenia from department of psychiatry, St. Mary's Hospital in 2008, 2009, and 2010 were reviewed. Data on sociodemographic and disease-related variables were an-alyzed.
RESULTS
Comparing sociodemographic variables, 6-month follow-up group showed higher rate of family history (p=0.034), and lower rate of divorce and bereavement (p=0.037) than non-follow-up group. Comparing disease-related variables, 6-month follow-up group showed higher rate of previous psychiatric outpatient treatment within 3 months before index hospitalization (p=0.013), higher scores in Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) at discharge (p=0.002), but lower rate of prescription of risperidone at discharge (p=0.007). The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that previous psychiatric outpatient treatment within 3 months before index hospitalization, GAF scores at discharge, family history, absence of divorce and bereavement, and not being prescribed of risperidone at discharge were significantly related to an increased likelihood of 6-month follow-up visits.
CONCLUSION
The previous psychiatric outpatient treatment before hospitalization, psychosocial functioning, family history, divorce, bereavement, and antipsychotics prescription at discharge appeared to have influence on continuity of outpatient treatment after discharge of patients with schizophrenia.