Psychosocial factors associated with frequent rehospitalization of patients with mental health disorders

Abstract

International research, which focuses on frequent users of the psychiatric services and on the psychosocial factors that are associated with frequent rehospitalization, emphasize that the problem of revolving door patient still stands and is severe. Research concerning the above mentioned issue has not been conducted in Georgia, therefore, this study aimed to explore the revolving door patients and psychosocial factors that contribute to their relapse and frequent readmission to acute psychiatric unit. Study was conducted at psychiatric department of Ghudushauri National Medical Center. Qualitative and quantitative analysis based on medical files of 34 adult patients with psychotic disorders, rehospitalized in acute psychiatric unit 60 days after their last discharge in 2012–2014 years, was conducted. Results of the study are in line with international research findings concerning the psychosocial factors that contribute to frequent rehospitalization of patients with psychotic disorders, such as: unemployment (97%), lack of support system (76,5%), non-compliance with treatment (91.2%), emotional reactivity to stressful life events, etc. However, according to the study, family atmosphere turned out to be the central problem which influences the index of conflict and expressed aggression in the family, has impact on the size of patient's support system, on substance abuse, on patient's relapse and on their emergency rehospitalization. According to the results of the study, family atmosphere is one of the most active and multifaceted factors that contribute to patient's relapse and frequent rehospitalization in Georgia. Therefore, implementing and developing interventions discussed in the research paper that will target this factor is essential.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.