Comparative Efficiency Ratings Between Public and Private Acute Inpatient Facilities

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study are to compare clinical outcomes and efficiency ratings in an acute psychiatric inpatient facility with findings from other studies, and to examine relationships between symptom severity, admission medico-legal status and length of stay. Method: The Health of the Nation Outcome Scales was administered at admission and discharge and analysed against admission medico-legal status and length of stay. Efficiency ratings were calculated and compared with those from other acute psychiatric inpatient settings. Results: Clinical outcomes and efficiency ratings were similar to those from other public acute inpatient facilities, with greater admission severities and higher efficiency ratings than those found in private facilities. Involuntary hospitalisation was found to be associated with higher admission severities and longer lengths of stay. Conclusions: Outcome or effect size is enhanced by higher admission severities, however, mean outcome per 10 days of stay is decreased by involuntary admission legal status. Factors unrelated to admission legal status effect differences in efficiency ratings found between public and private acute psychiatric inpatient facilities.