Preleave Planning

Abstract

One hundred and twelve Metropolitan State Hospital patients on two regionalized wards were observed from March 1967 through March 1969 during hospitalization and while on leave of absence. The return rate dropped from the usual 40.0% to 70.0% to 9.8%. The patients were followed by the same professional team, received psychotropic drugs, were offered long-term psychotherapy, family therapy, and assistance with financial, living, and vocational plans. Better communication between the mental hospital and its community was felt to be a significant factor in the sharp reduction of readmission rates.