In-patient rehabilitation: clinical outcomes and cost implications

Abstract

© 2016 The Authors. Aims and method A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of the clinical and economic effectiveness of three in-patient rehabilitation units across one London National Health Service trust. Information on admission days and costs 2 years before and 2 years after the rehabilitation placement, length of rehabilitation placement and the discharge pathway was collected on 22 service users. Results There were statistically significant reductions in hospital admission days in the 2 years following rehabilitation compared with the 2 years before, further reflected in significantly lower bed costs. Longer length of rehabilitation placement was correlated with fewer admission days after the placement. A substantial proportion of the sample went into more independent living, some with no further admissions at follow-up. Clinical implications The findings suggest that in-patient rehabilitation is both clinically and cost effective: if benefits are sustained they will offset the cost of the rehabilitation placement. Declaration of interest M.B. was a member of the Expert Reference Group for the Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health guidance for commissioners of rehabilitation services. E.M. is a member of the executive committee of the Faculty of Rehabilitation and Social Psychiatry of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. M.B., Y.G., E.M. and D.T-B. work in the rehabilitation services evaluated.