J Korean Med Sci.  2025 Jan;40(3):e8. 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e8.

Factors Associated With Receiving Early Post-Discharge Follow-up Care in Patients With Schizophrenia

• Che SE
• Kim KH

• KMID: 2564229
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e8

Abstract

Background
Identifying factors associated with early post-discharge outpatient care is crucial to prevent relapse and suicide in patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with receiving follow-up care within seven days after hospital discharge among patients with schizophrenia.
Methods
This nationwide population-based study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Claim Database of South Korea. All patients aged ≥ 18 years, newly admitted to the hospital with schizophrenia between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018, were included. The outcome of interest was the receipt of outpatient follow-up care within seven days of hospital discharge. Patients’ general characteristics and healthcare services were included as independent variables. A generalized estimating equation model was used to examine factors associated with the outcome.
Results
Of 17,565 patients with schizophrenia, 37.6% received outpatient follow-up care within seven days after hospital discharge. Patients who were older and male were less likely to receive follow-up care seven days after discharge. Patients with prior psychiatric outpatient care to their index admission were more likely to receive follow-up care than those without prior outpatient care. A longer hospital stay significantly decreased the likelihood of receiving outpatient follow-up. However, comorbid alcohol use disorder was not associated with receiving follow-up care within seven days of discharge.
Conclusion
This study highlights the need to ensure continuity of care for patients with schizophrenia during discharge planning, with particular attention to vulnerable patients.

Keyword

Schizophrenia; Post-Discharge Outpatient Care; Continuity of Care; Health Insurance Claim Database

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