Map analyses of psychiatric services. The application of a computerized psychiatric case register to geographical analysis.

A computerized system to make map analyses of psychiatric services (MAPS) was developed by combining data from a psychiatric case register with a demographic data base updated twice a year. The case register covered all adult psychiatric in- and out-patient services in a catchment area of 75,000 inhibitants. The analyses were carried out for homogeneous sub-areas, thus providing the clinic with knowledge about the geographical distribution of diagnostic categories and utilization of services. In a first stage, the system utilizes the flexible features of the statistical analysis system (SAS). In the final graphic stage, the SAS/GRAPH or the UNIRAS System may be used alternately. Special statistics from the epidemiological frame of reference are constructed for comparing sub-areas, such as standardized morbidity ratio, standardized relative risk with confidence interval and corresponding p-values. The system's application to planning of services and research is illustrated.