Original Research

Identifying factors associated with the discharge of male State patients from Weskoppies Hospital

Riaan G. Prinsloo, Andre Swanepoel, Gian Lippi
South African Journal of Psychiatry | Vol 23 | a1083 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v23i0.1083 | © 2017 Riaan G. Prinsloo, Andre Swanepoel, Gian Lippi | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 07 November 2016 | Published: 04 December 2017

About the author(s)

Riaan G. Prinsloo, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Andre Swanepoel, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Gian Lippi, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Designated psychiatric facilities are responsible for the care, treatment and reintegration of State patients. The necessary long-term care places a considerable strain on health-care resources. Resource use should be optimised while managing the risks that patients pose to themselves and the community. Identifying unique factors associated with earlier discharge may decrease the length of stay. Factors associated with protracted inpatient care without discharge could identify patients who require early and urgent intervention.

Aim: We identify socio-economic, demographic, psychiatric and charge-related factors associated with the discharge of male State patients.

Methods: We reviewed the files of discharged and admitted forensic State patients at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital. Data were captured in an electronic recording sheet. The association between factors and the outcome measure (discharged vs. admitted) was determined using chi-squared tests and Fischer’s exact tests.

Results: Discharged State patients were associated with being a primary caregiver (p = 0.031) having good insight into illness (p = 0.025) or offence (p = 0.005) and having had multiple successful leaves of absences. A lack of substance abuse during admission (p = 0.027), an absence of a diagnosis of substance use disorder (p = 0.013) and the absence of verbal and physical aggression (p = 0.002 and p = 0.016) were associated with being discharged. Prolonged total length of stay (9–12 years, p = 0.031) and prolonged length of stay in open wards (6–9 years, p = 0.000) were associated with being discharged. A history of previous offences (p = 0.022), a diagnosis of substance use disorder (p = 0.023), recent substance abuse (p = 0.018) and a history of physical aggression since admission (p = 0.017) were associated with continued admission.

Conclusion: Discharge of State patients is associated with an absence of substance abuse, lack of aggression, multiple successful leave of absences and length of stay in hospital.


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Crossref Citations

1. Social determinants of health in male forensic patients admitted at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in South Africa
Keabetswe Mogase, Tshepiso Moeketsi, Funeka B Sokudela
International Journal of Social Psychiatry  vol: 68  issue: 8  first page: 1806  year: 2022  
doi: 10.1177/00207640211060261