A Patient-Based Voucher System for Brief Hospitalisation

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical use of a patient-based voucher system for brief hospitalisation. Clinical picture: A 31-year-old male, chronically disabled, with schizophrenia, poly-substance, and borderline personality disorders presented concerns for the treating team. Treatment: Management was community based except for a single admission in which the patient chose the timing and duration via a predetermined set of vouchers. Outcome: In contrast to previous admissions, a patient-chosen, voucher-based admission was single, brief and uneventful. Conclusions: Novel approaches to chronically disabled patients with psychiatric illness enable change from therapeutic pessimism. A patient-based voucher system seemed to be of use in one patient.