Acute Psychiatric Inpatients Research Articles

Comprehensive Symptom Prediction in Acute Psychiatric Inpatients Using Wearable-Based Deep Learning Models: Development and Validation Study (Preprint)

Comprehensive Symptom Prediction in Acute Psychiatric Inpatients Using Wearable-Based Deep Learning Models: Development and Validation Study (Preprint)

Cognitive Function in Patients with Psychotic and Affective Disorders: Effects of Combining Pharmacotherapy with Cognitive Remediation.

Background: Cognitive impairment is a relevant problem in psychiatry and can be well assessed with a cross-diagnostic test such as the Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry (SCIP). The aim of our pilot study is to assess cognitive impairment in acute psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder and depression using the German version of the SCIP (SCIP-G). We also investigate whether cognitive dysfunction improves over the course of the inpatient treatment, where patients are offered a combination of pharmacological treatment and cognitive remediation. Methods: A total of 143 adult inpatients were included in the study. Cognitive testing was performed using two different forms of the SCIP-G. All patients received state-of-the-art pharmacotherapy and cognitive remediation using the COGPACK® software package version 6.06. Results: Based on the ICD-10 Criteria for Research, 54 patients were given an F2 diagnosis (schizophrenia and schizotypal and delusional disorders). Thirty-nine patients met the criteria for bipolar disorder (F30 and F31) and fifty for depression (F32 and F33). At baseline, a significant difference was observed between the SCIP total scores of the F2 and F32/33 patients (p < 0.001) and between the F2 and F30/31 groups (p = 0.022). At the second measurement time point, the SCIP total score showed significant improvement in all three groups (p < 0.001), and there was no statistically significant interaction between SCIP total score and diagnostic groups (p = 0.860). Conclusions: Cognitive dysfunction is present in psychiatric disorders and can be easily assessed during an inpatient hospital stay. In our sample, patients with a psychotic disorder were more cognitively impaired at baseline than patients with an affective disorder. Inpatient treatment, consisting of pharmacotherapy and cognitive remediation, improved cognitive deficits. Patients with psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder and depression showed similar improvements in cognitive performance.

Associations between readmission and patient-reported measures in acute psychiatric inpatients: a multicenter prospective longitudinal study.

This study examined whether patient-reported measures (PRMs) addressing quality of life, personal agency, functional impairment, and treatment satisfaction at hospital discharge were associated with future readmission during a 12-month follow-up period. The study also examined whether readmission influenced changes in the same measures. A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted at 21 psychiatric hospitals in Japan. Participants completed the EuroQol-five-dimensions-five-level (EQ-5D), the Five-item Subjective Personal Agency Scale, and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) at the time of index admission (T1), discharge from index admission (T2), and 6months (T3) and 12months (T4) after discharge. Inpatient treatment satisfaction was assessed at T2. Readmission and variables potentially associated with hospitalization and PRMs were evaluated using mixed-effects logistic regression models and mixed models for repeated measures. A total of 491 participants were followed for 12months (attrition rate: 19.4%), and 480 were included in the EQ-5D analysis. The most common diagnoses were schizophrenia (59%), depression (14%), and bipolar disorder (13%). No patient-reported measures were significantly associated with readmission over the follow-up period. Interaction of readmission and time did not significantly affect changes in EQ-5D. Readmission did significantly influence SDS score changes between T2 and T3 (B = 1.78, 95% CI = 0.30-3.25, p = 0.018) and between T3 and T4 (B = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.14-2.72, p = 0.029).The same influence of readmission on SDS score changes was not observed in the model which adjusted for all potential covariates. Readmission was potentially associated with changes in self-reported functional impairment. Findings highlight the potential role of intensive post-discharge services in preventing readmission, rather than relying on time-of-discharge PRMs in order to predict readmission risk. This study was registered in UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000034220).

Audit of Admissions to Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit of Patients With Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating

Audit of Admissions to Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit of Patients With Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating

Predictors of Readmission to an Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Predictors of Readmission to an Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

The effectiveness of the mental health social worker-led multiprofessional program in preventing long-term hospitalization and readmission in acute psychiatric inpatients in Japan: A retrospective analysis.

The large number of new long-stay (NLS) patients and high readmission rates in psychiatric hospitals are longstanding concerns in Japan despite reforms to encourage multidisciplinary support of such patients. Staffing shortages of specialists, especially mental health social workers (MHSWs), may be one of the reasons for these problems to remain unsolved. The authors examined the effectiveness of the MHSW-centered multidisciplinary care model in preventing NLSs and rehospitalization in terms of both patient dynamics and cost by retrospective comparison of before and after program implementation. After our program was introduced, NLS was almost completely prevented. In addition, a significant decrease in readmissions of involuntarily admitted patients was also observed. On the other hand, the resulting decrease in treatment costs and hospital revenues was mismatched by an increase in personnel costs. While MHSW-centered multidisciplinary care is effective for the community integration of patients, there are cost challenges. State policy changes are needed to resolve staffing problems, along with the introduction of appropriate indicators of community integration.

Developing a mechanism-based therapy for acute psychiatric inpatients with psychotic symptoms: an Intervention Mapping approach.

Treatment guidelines for psychosis recommend offering psychotherapy already in the acute illness phase. However, there is a lack of available interventions adapted to the specific needs and key change mechanisms of inpatients experiencing severe symptoms and crisis. In this article we outline the scientific development process of a needs-oriented and mechanism-based group intervention for acute psychiatric inpatients with psychosis (MEBASp). To guide our intervention design, we used Intervention Mapping (IM), a six-step framework for developing evidence-based health interventions that consisted of an extensive literature review, an in-depth problem definition and needs analysis, the modeling of change mechanisms and outcomes and the production of an intervention prototype. Our low-threshold modularized group intervention consists of nine stand-alone sessions (two per week) within three modules and targets different aspects of metacognitive and social change mechanisms. Module I and II aim to reduce acute symptoms by fostering cognitive insight, Module III focuses on reducing distress via cognitive defusion. Therapy contents are adapted from existing metacognitive treatments such as the Metacognitive Training and presented in a destigmatizing, simply understandable and experience-oriented way. MEBASp is currently evaluated in a single-arm feasibility trial. Using a systematic and rigorous development methodology and providing a detailed description of the development steps demonstrated to be invaluable in improving the intervention's scientific foundation, validity, and replicability for similar research.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on major depressive disorder in acute psychiatric inpatients.

The spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the subsequent restrictions significantly affected mental health, especially major depressive disorder (MDD) whose incidence increased by 27.6% in 2020, after the COVID-19 outbreak. Few studies focused on the impact of the pandemic on the clinical characteristics of outpatients with MDD and even fewer on inpatients admitted for a major depressive episode (MDE). We aimed to compare the characteristics of MDD of two groups of patients admitted for an MDE before and after the pandemic outbreak and to investigate which variables are significantly related to post-lockdown hospitalizations. This retrospective study included 314 patients with MDD hospitalized from January 2018 to December 2021 for an MDE (DSM-5) before (n = 154) and after (n = 160) the Italian lockdown (9th of March 2020). We compared patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The characteristics significantly different between the two groups were included in a logistic regression to identify the factors more strictly associated with post-lockdown hospitalizations. During post-lockdown hospitalization, we found a higher rate of severe MDE (33 patients, 21.4%, in the pre-lockdown and 55 patients, 34.4%, in the post), MDE with psychotic features (3 patients, 2.0%, in the pre-lockdown and 11 patients, 6.9%, in the post-lockdown), and suicidal ideation (42, 27.3%, in the pre-lockdown and 67, 41.9%, in the post-lockdown), with a lower proportion of patients followed by psychiatric services before admission (106 patients, 68.8%, in the pre-lockdown and 90 patients, 56.3%, in the post-lockdown) and a higher percentage of them in treatment with psychotherapy (18 patients, 11.7% in the pre-lockdown and 32, 20.0%, in the post-lockdown) and more frequent increase of the antidepressant dosage (16 patients, 10.4% in the pre-lockdown and 32 patients, 20.0% in the post-lockdown) and adoption of augmentation strategies (13 patients, 8.4%, in the pre-lockdown and 26 patients, 16.3%, in the post-lockdown) to treat the MDE. In the regression model, post-lockdown hospitalizations were significantly associated with suicidal ideation (OR = 1.86; p = 0.016) and psychotic features (OR = 4.41; p = 0.029) at admission, the increase in the antidepressant daily dose (OR = 2.45; p = 0.009), and the employment of an augmentation therapy (OR = 2.25; p = 0.029). These results showed an association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the occurrence of MDE with more severe clinical features. This might be true also for future calamities, suggesting that in these emergency contexts, patients with MDD would require more attention, resources, and intense treatments with a specific focus on suicide prevention.

Post-discharge suicide among high-risk psychiatric inpatients: Risk factors and warnings signs

The present study explored the predictive value of a novel suicide risk assessment with regard to suicide deaths within three years of discharge from an acute inpatient unit. The contributions of the different components of the assessment to overall determination of suicide risk were also explored. A total of 380 acute psychiatric inpatients were analysed in a 3- year prospective study. At admission, the physician on duty performed a suicide risk assessment based on national guidelines and clinical state variables. A dichotomous variable reflecting high/low suicide risk level was determined by the clinician and recorded in the chart. Information on the number and causes of deaths was obtained from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Eleven (2.9%) patients died by suicide within three years after discharge, eight high-risk patients and three low risk patients (OR = 8.7, 95% CI: 2.2–33, p = 0.002). In multivariable analysis, recent suicidal ideation (SI) (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.5–8.7, p = 0.004), and affective disturbance (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.5–12.6, p = 0.008) were significantly associated with rating of high suicide risk. The sample size was rather small, which in conjunction with the low base rate of suicide, reduces power and limits generalizability of the findings. We found that a novel suicide risk assessment at admission to an acute psychiatric service was a powerful predictor of suicide post-discharge. The components of the risk assessment that were statistically significant with high suicide risk were affective disturbance and recent SI.

FRI387 - Treating HCV in dual diagnosis acute psychiatric inpatients with substance use disorder

FRI387 - Treating HCV in dual diagnosis acute psychiatric inpatients with substance use disorder

Evaluating Completeness of Admissions Clerking Procedure for Patients Admitted to an Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

AimsThere is a well-known bidirectional relationship between mental and physical health. A thorough mental and physical health assessment of new inpatients on admission is crucial to assess possible organic causes of psychiatric presentations and enable appropriate treatment to be commenced in a timely manner. We noted a pattern of incomplete clerking, leading to delays in commencing treatment and increased workload pressure on the ward medical team. Our audit aims to assess how thoroughly and in what time frame patients' admission assessments are being completed on an acute psychiatric inpatient unit.MethodsA sample of 20 patients was used for each cycle. Eight components were identified from the Trust clerking procedure. These were a full psychiatric history, capacity assessment, prescription chart, physical health systems review, physical examination, blood tests, ECG and VTE assessment. The expected standard was completion of all of the above at the point of admission or, if applicable, adequate documentation of patient refusal with documented reattempt within 24 hours.Electronic patient records were retrospectively reviewed to identify whether each component was completed, the number of days from admission to completion and if completed by the clerking doctor. Evidence of documented patient refusals and the number of incomplete draft entries were noted.ResultsInitial results showed only 20% of patients (n = 4) had the full expected clerking procedure completed at admission. Physical health assessments (ECG, blood test, physical examination) had the lowest completion rates. When components were not completed by the clerking doctor, there was often a delay of several days from admission to completion of by the ward day team. For 50% of patients, some assessments were never completed (without adequate refusal documented). Eight patients did not have a completed VTE assessment by the point of discharge.ConclusionReasons were identified for the poor completion rates of clerking assessments. These included a lack of understanding by on-call doctors about the importance of completing all assessments, unfamiliarity with ward equipment, lack of adequate handover to the ward medical team and staffing pressures. A new handover checklist was introduced for clerking doctors to use and enable better communication with the ward team. Clerking procedure summaries were displayed in on-call rooms and additional teaching was organised.

Efficacy and tolerability of brexpiprazole in patients with psychotic and mood disorders: a pilot study

IntroductionBrexpiprazole is a novel antipsychotic drug. It exerts antagonistic activity at the serotonin 5HT2A, 5HT2B, 5HT7 and noradrenaline alpha 1b/2c receptors; it also acts as partial agonist of serotonin 5HT1 and dopamine D2, D3 receptors. Brexpiprazole is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and as an add-on therapy for major depression.ObjectivesThis pilot study aims at exploring efficacy and tolerability of Brexpiprazole in a small sample of patients diagnosed with either a psychotic or a mood disorder.MethodsThis observational study was conducted at our Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit. We included 7 patients (5 males, 2 females) hospitalized between 2020 and 2021, diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders or mood disorders with psychotic symptoms confirmed by Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Patients who participated signed an informed consent. Information concerning diagnosis, demographic characteristics (age, sex, education, marital status) and pharmacological therapy were collected examining clinical records. The average lenght of hospitalization was 13.4 days. Psychopathology was assessed by means of the PANSS and the severity of the illness was evaluated with CGI severity scale (CGI-S), both on admission and discharge. We also administered the UKU scale to evaluate the tolerability profile.Results.Results can be seen in figures 1, 2, 3ConclusionsOur study found a significant improvement in both positive and negative symptoms, with good tolerability. Limitations of our study are: small sample size and limited period of observation. These premises suggest that further research is needed in order to elucidate the exact mechanisms underlying Brexpiprazole’s action and the possible implication in mood disorders.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Protocol for the Lovisenberg Open Acute Door Study (LOADS): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial to compare safety and coercion between open-door policy and usual-care services in acute psychiatric inpatients

IntroductionThe reduction of coercion in psychiatry is a high priority for both the WHO and many member countries. Open-door policy (ODP) is a service model for psychiatric ward treatment that...

Epilepsy and other seizure disorders in acute psychiatric inpatients

BackgroundIt is well known that patients with epilepsy have a high rate of psychiatric comorbidity. However, studies exploring epilepsy in psychiatric cohorts are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of seizure disorders in acute psychiatric inpatients.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study performed in a catchment-area based acute psychiatric department. All patients (age > 18) admitted during September 2011 - March 2012 were eligible for inclusion. Consenting patients were screened for a life-time history of epilepsy or seizures using self-reported questionnaire data and diagnostic codes for epilepsy in hospital and National registries. Patients scoring positive to one or more of these screening criteria underwent a thorough diagnostic validation (chart review), and the seizure disorders were classified as epilepsy, acute symptomatic seizures and/or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures according to current definitions.ResultsA total of 380 out of 591 (64.3%) consecutively admitted patients consented to participate in the study. Eighty-nine patients (23.4%) scored positive to one or more screening criteria. Fifteen (3.9%) were classified with epilepsy, 21 (5.5%) with acute symptomatic seizures and 9 (2.4%) with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.ConclusionsThis is the first study to report on the prevalence of seizure disorders in acute psychiatric inpatients. The life-time prevalence of epilepsy in this cohort of patients is five – six times as high as reports in the general population. These findings underscore the need for the clinical psychiatrist to have comprehensive knowledge on the interface between epileptology and psychiatry.Trials registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01415323.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Psychiatric Inpatients With Severe Mental Illness and COVID-19: Experience From a COVID-19-Specific Acute Psychiatric Ward in Istanbul.

Recent studies indicated that psychiatric inpatients with severe mental illness (SMI) are at a greater risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. However, there is still little data about the impact of comorbid COVID-19 infection on the course and outcome of acute exacerbations in this population. We conducted a prospective historically matched case control study. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of acute psychiatric inpatients with SMI and comorbid COVID-19 (n = 21) were compared with those of historically-matched non-COVID-19 controls with SMI (n = 42). The outcomes for acute inpatients with SMI and COVID-19 were also investigated. The new-onset SMI rate was relatively higher (23.8%) in the COVID-19 group, which has characteristics similar to those of the non-COVID-19 group except for working status (p < 0.05). The COVID-19 group had a high rate of relapse (47.6%) within 6 months of discharge. Our study suggests that patients with SMI who contracted SARS-CoV-2 may have a higher rate of new-onset mental disorder. Considering the high rate of relapse during the pandemic, chronically ill patients with SMI and COVID-19 should be closely monitored after discharge.

The screen for cognitive impairment in psychiatry (SCIP) as a routinely applied screening tool: pathology of acute psychiatric inpatients and cluster analysis

BackgroundCognitive dysfunction has been reported in acute psychiatric patients for a long time. The detection of cognitive deficits is crucial both for clinical treatment and for predicting the psychosocial functional level in the further course of the disease. The SCIP is a well-evaluated screening instrument for the examination of cognitive performance in psychiatric patients. We recently integrated the SCIP into our routine admission and discharge assessments on two inpatient wards, and we examined the cognitive profiles of patients with psychotic and affective disorders over the course of their admission.MethodsShortly after admission, and prior to discharge, patients were routinely referred for examination with the SCIP. A total of 529 assessments were completed on admission, and 227 returned for SCIP at the time of discharge. After standardization of the test results against a normative sample, we examined the normalized test values in terms of percentages of pathological cognitive performance based on the total SCIP score, and each of the SCIP subscale scores. We conducted cluster analysis to identify cognitive subgroups within the clinical sample.ResultsMore than 70% of the SCIP results on admission were pathological. At discharge, improvements were observed, especially on tests with attention and speed components. Cluster analysis identified two groups. The cluster with chronic patients showed poorer results at admission, but greater improvement and reached the level of the others at discharge.ConclusionsThe SCIP appears to have value in routine diagnostic assessments, and in the quantification of improvements in cognitive performance during an inpatient stay. The greatest benefit was observed in chronically ill patients with many previous stays.Trial registrationDRKS00019825 (retrospectively registered on 03.12.2019).

Pre-vocational therapy in mental health. Clients' desired and achieved productivity status

Background Knowledge about work-related occupational therapy in psychiatric inpatient and day hospital clients is limited. Aims The aim of the study was to explore the desired and achieved productivity status in mental health service users participating in a pre-vocational therapy (PVT) intervention. Outcome variables were productivity status and achievement of desired productivity status at discharge, and change or persistence of productivity status between admission and discharge. Methods This is a short-term prospective study based on observational data from health records (N = 98). Results At admission, 53.2% of participants named a clear desired productivity status; 46.8% did not. Of the former, 76.9% expressed a desire for employment or education on the regular job market; 28.0% achieved their desired outcome at discharge, whereas 72.0% did not. Overall, 58.5% retained, established or increased productive activities, while 41.5% were not engaged in or had reduced productive activities at discharge. These two groups differed in socio-economic and social-security-related characteristics, treatment-related characteristics and psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusions and significance Some, but not all kinds of clients in acute psychiatric inpatient and day hospital settings manage to take a first step towards productive activities during the first phase of treatment.

Psycho-Educational Program for Psychiatric Nurses to Protect Themselves and Others from the Incidence of Acute Psychiatric Inpatients Aggression

Psycho-Educational Program for Psychiatric Nurses to Protect Themselves and Others from the Incidence of Acute Psychiatric Inpatients Aggression

The blues, and an almost shocking surprise – Unexpected PE in a catatonic patient, that almost had ECT

AimsTo present a case of a near-miss, where an unexpected Pulmonary Embolism (PE) was identified in a patient with psychotic depression and catatonia, who almost had Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Our aim is to highlight the importance of Venous-Thrombo Embolism (VTE) risk assessment in all psychiatric inpatients, particularly those with catatonia, and those about to undergo ECT.MethodA 53-year-old female admitted with her first presentation of psychotic depression, catatonia, poor oral intake, and significant weight loss in the community for months prior to admission. She was recommended for emergency ECT as the severity of her self-neglect was becoming life threatening. Her first ECT session was cancelled due to low potassium levels prior to ECT, which proved to be a fortunate event. She developed sudden onset chest pain the next day, and following further medical investigations; was diagnosed to have a bilateral PE, and subsequently treated with Apixaban. Due to the potential risk of ECT dislodging the clots, treatment was done by optimising medication alone; Venlafaxine 300 mg, Mirtazapine 45 mg, Haloperidol 6 mg. She made a slow but successful recovery, and was discharged home, with ongoing support from Early Intervention in Psychosis services.ResultWe conducted a literature search, and it is well known that there is an increased risk of VTE in catatonic patients, as well as other psychiatric inpatients; due to anti-psychotic medication. Furthermore, cases have been reported where ECT was associated with increased risk of death in patients with known VTE/PE.On retrospective review of the patient's risks of developing VTE in the community, it was clear, that she was at very high risk of developing VTE. It was also noted that she should have had a VTE risk assessment on admission, in accordance with NICE guidelines; where all acute psychiatric inpatients should have this assessed as soon as possible.ConclusionThrough a process of assessment and treatment, VTE is often preventable. Identification of high-risk patients on admission to hospital is therefore crucial. It is thus, imperative that a comprehensive VTE risk assessment is completed on admission and regularly reviewed.This case highlights the risk of missing VTE assessments in WAA Inpatients, particularly those with catatonia, about to undergo ECT, which could have been fatal. As such, VTE/PE risk assessment in such patients, about to undergo ECT, is particularly crucial.Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion of VTE/PE, particularly in patients with catatonia.

Staff's perspectives on physical activity in acute mental health general adult wards

AimsPhysical activity (PA) has multiple health benefits for people with severe mental illness (SMI). Nevertheless, people with SMI engage in less exercise and more sedentary behaviour than the general population. Additionally, inpatient settings can exacerbate barriers to PA and facilitate sedentary behaviour. Staff's attitudes towards PA promotion may influence patient engagement. The aim of this study was to explore staff's views on PA for acute psychiatric inpatients, including enablers and barriers.MethodAn online anonymous survey with free text was sent to all 85 multidisciplinary team (MDT) members of two acute general adult wards, including nurses, doctors and allied health professionals. A qualitative approach was used to gain deeper understanding of the participants' perspectives. Manual thematic analysis was completed to identify discrete themes.ResultResponse rate was 64%, with 54 professionals responding. Notably, 100% agreed or strongly agreed that exercise is beneficial to physical and mental health. Nevertheless, 72% felt it was not easy to do PA with patients during their shift, while many reported they were able to encourage exercise but were unable to accompany patients to sessions. Specifically, participants reported lack of time (40%), high level of clinical activity (32%), lack of staff (30%), lack of PA resources inside the wards (20%) and conflicting priorities (18%), stopping them from helping patients to do more exercise. However, they felt more staff (28%), time dedicated to PA (26%), on-ward resources (18%), access to the gym and gardens (18%), staff dedicated to PA (16%) and staff trained in facilitating PA (10%), would help participants promote PA on the ward. Other suggestions to enable PA included a change in ward culture, valuing and promoting PA, daily patient encouragement by all MDT members instead of only occupational therapists, and PA promotion as part of mental health treatment and as physical health strategy. Finally, 70% of participants said they exercised regularly, although some reported lack of time or motivation, work commitments and workload-related exhaustion reducing their ability to exercise.ConclusionParticipants acknowledged the importance of PA for physical and mental health. Furthermore, they described multiple enablers and barriers. Prioritising PA during admission, providing on-ward activities, educating/training staff, reiterating that PA promotion is within all MDT members' job roles, and offering organisational support can contribute to improved PA provision and regular involvement of patients.An integrative approach to mental health and wellbeing, promoting PA in inpatient psychiatric settings is required.