Home care treatment of acutely ill psychiatric patients. A one year follow-up.

This paper presents the results of one year of Home Care treatment of 77 acutely ill psychiatric patients. Home Care treatment was successful in 83.1% of 77 patients during the first year. Since only four patients failed during the second six months of treatment, hospitalization was effectively prevented, and not delayed, during the first year of treatment. Finally, a history of previous psychiatric hospitalization is not an accurate predictor of success or failure in the patients receiving Home Care treatment in this study. It appears more likely that the psychosocial supports available to the patient, and the relationship between the patient, his family and the Home Care treatment team, are more important in determining the success or failure of treatment at home.