A study of an intensive home-based treatment program and its impact on admissions in an aged-care setting

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate an Intensive Home Based Program (IHBP) in terms of effects on admissions and length of stay. Method: The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Mongomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were completed on two patient cohorts, IHBP(n=65) and in-patients (IPs)(n=29). Hospital admissions and length of stay were also measured. Diagnostic and treatment data for patients were collected. Results: The clinical outcomes of a sample of patients who were treated on the IHBP were compared to those treated as IPs, and the impact on hospital admissions was considered. Clinical improvement was greater in the more severely ill IPs, but those treated on the IHBP also showed significant improvement. Initially, rates of hospital admissions decreased but have since increased as have admissions to the IHBP. Conclusion: The program is in its third year, is well received and utilised, is considered useful in providing early intervention and may have a role in preventing hospital admissions.