Korean J Schizophr Res.  2020 Apr;23(1):38-44. 10.16946/kjsr.2020.23.1.38.

Differences in Social and Clinical Characteristics between Readmission and Dehospitalization in Long-Term Inpatients with Schizophrenia

• Kim MS
• Park S
• Choi Js

• KMID: 2500474
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.16946/kjsr.2020.23.1.38

Abstract

Objectives
Dehospitalization of long-term inpatients with schizophrenia can be difficult because of complex factors such as chronic symptoms and low family and social support. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to dehospitalization and readmission of long-term inpatients with schizophrenia.
Methods
This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients discharged from a psychiatric hospital in Yongin, South Korea, from February 1, 2016, to July 31, 2017. Patients who were hospitalized for over 3 months were divided into two groups: readmission (n=47) and dehospitalization (n=55). Differences in sociodemographic and clinical factors were analyzed between the two groups.
Results
Regarding sociodemographic characteristics, female sex, familylessness, discharge to nursing homes, and discharge after symptom improvement were more prevalent in the dehospitalization group, whereas male sex, having a sibling as next of kin, and discharge because of other problems were more prevalent in the readmission group. Among clinical characteristics, hospital stay was longer in the readmission group.
Conclusion
In this study, patients without a family showed a tendency to not be readmitted when they were discharged to nursing homes after symptom improvement. Expansion of social welfare support may encourage dehospitalization of long-term inpatients with schizophrenia.

Keyword

Dehospitalization; Re-admission; Schizophrenia; Social welfare service

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