Outpatient Follow-Up Visit after Hospital Discharge Lowers Risk of Rehospitalization in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

• DOI: 10.4306/pi.2015.12.4.425
• Publication Date: 2015-10-21T23:44:06Z
• Authors: Seung Yup Lee; Kyoung Hoon Kim; Tae Kim; Sun Min Kim; Jong-Woo Kim; Changsu Han; Ji Young Song; Jong-Woo Paik
• Keywords: Inpatient care; Hospital discharge; Outpatient clinic

Objective Non-adherence to medication is a recognized problem in psychiatric patients and may be one of the most challenging aspects treatment for with schizophrenia. Failure follow-up care after discharge greatly increases non-adherence prescribed medications, relapse rehospitalization. However, it still unknown whether how much outpatient visits can mitigate risk Therefore we sought investigate continuity effectiveness inpatient its effect on rehospitalization Methods Data were extracted from National Health Insurance Claim Database covering period 2007 through 2010. We identified 10,246 aged 18 years or older who admitted facilities diagnosis schizophrenia between January 1 December 31 2007. The number within 60 days index admission was defined as indicator continuous inspected during following 36-month period. Cox's proportional hazard model used examine factors affecting including visits, age, sex, comorbidities, antipsychotics, characteristics medical institution. Results found that 12.7% (n=1,327) visited department once hospital discharge, 34.8% (n=3,626) twice, 27.8% (n=2,900) more than three times. Patients taking atypical antipsychotics showed higher proportion 2 whereas typical no visits. Cox ratios factor 3 referenced visit 0.567 (0.428-0.750, 95% confidence interval) 90 days, 0.673 (0.574-0.789) 180 0.800 (0.713-0.898) year, 0.906 (0.824-0.997) years, 0.993 (0.910-1.084) years. Conclusion Although important prevention, low rate 62.6% total discharge. Lack might lead increase psychotic symptoms raised Our data suggest an year. Therefore, further efforts failure are warranted. Keywords: Schizophrenia, insurance, Rehospitalization, Outpatient