The day hospital debate—a contribution

Abstract

In the light of recent debate, this study has demonstrated small but measurable behavioural differences between an NHS day hospital and non-specialist day care. However, a focus on rating of behaviour alone conceals much greater differences in why people are referred, by whom and for what reasons. The day hospital has its own role and is not merely plugging a gap.

Psychiatric Day Hospitals for older adults -where have we been and where are we going now?

“…In their short report Collier and Baldwin (1999) compared NHS day hospitals with non-specialist day care and found small but measurable behavioural differences between the two. However, greater differences were found when reason for referral was compared.…”

“…Day hospitals bridge the gap between hospital and community, making services more accessible not only to the elderly person but also for relatives and staff (Peace, 1982). It has also been argued that the Day Hospital does not merely fill a gap in the community (Murphy, 1994) but has a role, which compliments day centres rather than overlapping with them (Collier & Baldwin, 1999). Pro Day Hospital writers suggest that despite the absence of data, most psychiatrists with access to day hospitals know that they can be used to prevent inpatient admission, particularly in functionally ill patients and that it facilitates earlier discharge (Howard, 1995).…”

“…Models of care are sometimes unclear with a lack of clarity regarding the most appropriate skill mix of staff (Collier & Baldwin, 1999). One of the most commonly cited views is that there is great overlap with day centre services and is suggested that day centres could do much of the work currently carried out by the NHS for a fraction of the cost (Currie et al, 1995).…”