Geographic Factors and the Release of Patients from State Mental Hospitals
Abstract
The decision to release a patient from a state hospital may be influenced by social as well as clinical factors. In this study of patients admitted for the first time to two state hospitals in Wisconsin, it was revealed that an increase in geographic distance between the hospital and the patient's home was associated with an increase in the period of confinement, increase in the likelihood of conditional release, more stringent clinical standards allowable for release, and a greater probability of receiving chemotherapy. The authors conclude that the hospital's need for certainty in its release decisions increases with geographic distance from the patient's home.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
