What becomes of people admitted to acute old age psychiatry wards? An exploration of factors affecting length of stay, delayed discharge and discharge destination

This research aimed to explore the trainee perspective on factors affecting recruitment into old age psychiatry higher training in the UK. A qualitative survey was created by the Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry and distributed to current higher trainees in all psychiatric subspecialties. A total of 324 higher trainees responded to the survey, representing a broad demographic range. Thematic analysis was carried out, with sufficient responses to achieve saturation. Key themes included concerns about the future of the specialty, issues with social care, lack of support with patients’ physical health needs, issues with training posts, and workload. The need to improve core trainees’ experience of the specialty was highlighted. Many positive themes arose from the data; however, a number of barriers to recruitment were also identified. The findings have implications for recruitment to the specialty and should be used to inform recruitment strategy moving forward.Declaration of interestNone.

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Acute inpatient admissions in a community oriented old age psychiatry service

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0790966700002810 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 4-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Aideen Freyne ◽

Margo Wrigley

Keyword(s):

Psychiatric Disorder ◽

Old Age ◽

Chart Review ◽

Service Providers ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Admission Criteria ◽

Service Utilisation ◽

Discharge Destination ◽

Appropriate Use ◽

Old Age Psychiatry

AbstractObjective: This study reviewed all inpatient admissions in a community oriented old age psychiatry service with the aim of assessing the appropriateness of admission criteria, obtaining a profile of those admitted, and providing information about service utilisation.Method: A retrospective chart review of all first inpatient admissions from 1989-1993 was carried out. Information concerning sociodemographic and clinical variables, and outcome measures in terms of discharge destination, was obtained.Results: There were 205 first admissions in the study period. There were 37 patients (18%) admitted on an involuntary basis. One per cent of admissions were not assessed at home prior to admission. Six patients had no formal psychiatric disorder, of the remainder 53% had an organic, and 47% a functional psychiatric disorder. Of those admitted 68% were discharged to their original destination. Patients with dementia were more likely to be discharged to nursing homes. Other discharge destinations were also used.Conclusions: The policy of initial domiciliary assessment of all referrals prior to admission is feasible in the majority of cases. Defined admission criteria clarify reasons for admission, and ensures appropriate use of beds. The range of discharge destinations highlights the need for maintaining close ongoing links with other service providers.

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