Individualized Patient Programming

Abstract

This paperpresents a detailed evaluation of an experimental hospital psychiatryprogram: Individualized Patient Programming. Using concepts common to systems theory, the program emphasized the use of evaluation and feedback for increased program effectiveness. In order to make evaluation and feedback possible, and also to provide greater assurance of patients' receiving the best possible treatment, patients were assigned individually to case coordinators who were responsible for evaluation of the treatment program. Informationflow was facilitated through development ofa computerized clinical record and evaluation of patients' community adjustment and satisfaction with services. Results indicated partial success for the program with greater community adjustment compared with a no-treatment control program, and lowerrehospitalization ratesfor male patients. The successes realized through adoption of the experimental program were considered the result of increased individualization and evaluation of patients' programs and not necessarily considered to be realized through attempts at systematic feedback on outcomes .