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A descriptive study of the characteristics and discharge outcomes of acute psychiatric admissions at district and regional hospitals in the Cape Town Metropole region of South Africa
Background Mental disorders are the third most important contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa. In a resource-limited setting such as South Africa, rational mental health service planning requires assessment of the characteristics and outcomes of mental health services. Aim This...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health
2019
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| Summary: | Background
Mental disorders are the third most important contributor to the burden of disease in
South Africa. In a resource-limited setting such as South Africa, rational mental health
service planning requires assessment of the characteristics and outcomes of mental
health services.
Aim
This study aimed to detail the characteristics and discharge outcomes of acute
psychiatric admissions at district and regional hospitals in the Cape Town
Metropolitan region of South Africa which serves an estimated population of 1.5
million people.
Methods and Setting
A retrospective descriptive cohort study was conducted, examining all acute
psychiatric admissions from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. Admission data were
gathered from four hospitals in the catchment area of Valkenberg Hospital, a
psychiatric hospital serving the Cape Town metro region.
Results
Psychotic and Mood disorders were the most common diagnostic categories. Male and
older patients (>60 years), and those with substance-related disorders had significantly
longer admissions. Transfer to psychiatric hospitals and internal transfers significantly
increased the duration of admission. Admission to Groote Schuur Hospital was
associated with a significantly longer length of stay. Patients were more likely to be
readmitted within 30 days following discharge from district or regional hospitals than
Valkenberg Hospital.
Conclusion
Several areas of focus to be addressed were identified, namely substance use
interventions, access to specialized care at primary and secondary level and the need
for additional specialist inpatient psychiatric resources. Further analysis of retention in
care following discharge from district and regional hospitals is recommended to
unpack factors that are associated with readmission. |
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