Effects of Extended Hospitalization: a One-Year Follow-Up Study

Key indicators of outcome at one year postdischarge for 110 patients hospitalized on extended care units for at least 180 days are reported. Outcome was determined by postdischarge rates of rehospitalization, postdischarge suicide attempts & occupational functioning at the time of the follow-up interview. Of 104 patients for whom there was sufficient information, only 7% had attempted suicide after discharge. Significant improvement was noted in each of the 3 categories at the time of follow-up.