An Outcome Evaluation of an Inpatient Crisis Stabilization and Assessment Program for Youth

摘要

Objective: To describe characteristics and outcomes of youth aged 7 to 17 who received inpatient psychiatric and mental health services along different clinical pathways of a new service delivery model. Method: Participants included 211 admissions to an inpatient crisis stabilization and assessment program over a one-year period. Standardized measures of emotional and behavioral functioning were administered as part of routine patient care. Results: Data from multiple sources indicate that youth presented with an appropriately acute and complex level of risk, with predominantly internalizing symptoms. Unique profiles of needs were identified according to services received. Length of stay was consistent with the model of care and differed for youth receiving only crisis (4 days) versus crisis plus assessment services (13 days). Youth referred for inpatient transitional care had longer length of stay for crisis/assessment services (19 days). Outcome data indicated a significant reduction in risk acuity at discharge or transfer for most youth; those referred to transitional care continued to have significant internalizing symptoms, including suicide risk. Conclusions: Evaluation data inform daily clinical practice, are consistent with the model of care, and provide an evidence-based approach to inpatient psychiatric services that allows for ongoing assessment of the quality of these services provided to youth and their families.