Inpatient treatment of schizophrenia in general hospitals.

OBJECTIVE

To improve treatment of schizophrenic patients in short-term inpatient units, the authors review studies of interventions that have been implemented with schizophrenic patients during brief hospitalizations and suggest areas for future research.

METHODS

The review is organized around seven general treatment domains, including the therapeutic alliance, continuity of care, family involvement, procurement of community services, psychosocial rehabilitation, medication compliance, and substance abuse treatment.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Because schizophrenic patients have traditionally been treated in long-term settings, little literature exists to inform interventions on short-term units. The authors suggest that general hospital staff strengthen the treatment alliance between patients and outpatient clinicians, aggressively pursue community supports, work to ensure patients' follow-up with outpatient care, and consider depot medications and patient education to promote medication compliance.