Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Rubin, A. S. Articles by Jones, M. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Rubin, A. S. Articles by Jones, M. Other Economics Issues Hospitals, Hospital Treatment Other Health Services Issues Related Article

Effects on Processes and Costs of Care Associated With the Addition of an Internist to an Inpatient Psychiatry Team

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of collaboration between an internist and psychiatrists on the processes and cost of care among psychiatric inpatients. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was performed on the psychiatric inpatient units of an academic medical center. All inpatients who were admitted to the units between March 2001 and January 2002 were asked to participate in the study. Patients in the intervention group met with an internist who participated in their care by communicating with the patients' primary care physicians, assessing needs, updating appropriate health maintenance services, managing chronic and acute medical problems, and attending hospital work rounds. Patients in the usual-care group received usual care. The processes of care were measured by examining 17 categories that involved assessment of needs, coordination of care, and completion of health maintenance services. Resource use was measured by examining hospital charges and length of stay. RESULTS: A total of 139 adults participated in the study: 55 were in the intervention group and 84 were in the usual-care group. Patients in the intervention group showed significant improvement in 12 of the 17 categories of the processes of care. Overall, no differences were found in hospital charges or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Adding an internist to an inpatient psychiatric team is an effective way of improving care for this traditionally underserved population without increasing cost.

Related Article:

April 2005: This Month's Highlights
Psychiatr Serv 2005 56: 395. [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. Levin Medical Care Improves When Psychiatrists, Internists Join Forces Psychiatr News, May 6, 2005; 40(9): 39 - 52. [Full Text]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2005 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us