Structure and Functioning of Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Units in Spain: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND As a consequence of the decentralisation of health care provision to the different Regions (called Autonomous Communities) in Spain, different healthcare models and resources have been developed for psychiatric patients. It would be very useful to obtain comprehensive and comparative data on healthcare models, resources and activity of acute inpatient psychiatric units (AIPUs) as a key part of mental health systems. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the current state of AIPUs in Spain through a national scoreboard that allows the current situation to be visualised in terms of resources, processes and outcomes. METHODS A 104-item online questionnaire was sent to all the AIPUs of the different Regions in Spain. It was divided into 11 sections, including data on the resources, processes and outcomes of the AIPUs. RESULTS Participation in the questionnaire was 60% (total of 117 participating AIPUs out of a total of 195 invited). The information collected has allowed us to obtain a detailed snapshot of the current situation of AIPUs in Spain at the level of infrastructures and material resources, staffing, organization and activity of the units, coordination with other units, guidelines, processes and protocols used, participation and communication with patients and their families, teaching activity and research linked to the units. CONCLUSIONS This project aims to help understand the general situation of AIPUs in Spain and its different Regions, to contribute to enhancing the benchmarking and harmonization among Spanish Regions, and to provide data for future comparisons with other countries.