Factors Influencing Patient Transfers to Psychiatry
Author Information
Author(s): Christodoulou Christos, Fineti Katerina, Douzenis Athanasios, Moussas George, Michopoulos Ioannis, Lykouras Lefteris
Primary Institution: Second Department of Psychiatry, University of Athens Medical School
Hypothesis
What factors influence the transfer of patients from medical and surgical departments to the psychiatric ward?
Conclusion
The decision to transfer a patient to the psychiatric ward is influenced by multiple factors, with social factors playing a significant role.
Supporting Evidence
- The transferred patients were more likely to be single, divorced, or widowed compared to non-transferred patients.
- 75.8% of transferred patients had a prior psychiatric history.
- 49.6% of transferred patients had attempted suicide.
- The mean hospital stay for transferred patients was significantly longer than for non-transferred patients.
Takeaway
This study looked at why some patients are moved from medical wards to psychiatric care, finding that things like being single or having a history of mental health issues are important reasons.
Methodology
Demographic and clinical backgrounds of transferred patients were examined and compared with non-transferred patients over an 11-year period.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and changes in psychiatric admission laws during the study period.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and relies on patient records, which may not fully capture the severity of psychiatric and physical illnesses.
Participant Demographics
The transferred group consisted of 294 patients (139 men and 155 women), primarily single, divorced, or widowed, from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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