The influence of an inpatient dual diagnosis program on readmission rates
Date
2013
Authors
Mahomed, Tasneem
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish whether the management of dual diagnosis patients
in an integrated psychiatric unit influenced relapse and readmission rates.
A retrospective record review was conducted to illustrate the influence of an admission to
the Dual Diagnosis Unit (DDU) at Sterkfontein Hospital (SFH) on readmission rates of
patients. These results were compared to readmission rates of a matched standard care
(SC) group.
Statistical data analysis revealed a larger presence of schizophrenia in the SC group, likely
explained by the DDU’s patient selection procedure. Though not significant, readmission
rates in the DDU group were lower than in the SC group, even though substance use levels
in the DDU group was higher. This demonstrates the potential positive impact of the DDU
program.
The findings presented in this paper warrant further investigation in assessing the
effectiveness of a DDU, using a larger sample size.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the
Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of
Master of Medicine in the branch of Psychiatry
Johannesburg, 2013