Do inpatients on adolescent units recover? A study of outcome and acceptability of treatment

Abstract

Background The study investigated progress made by adolescent inpatients during their stay on an adolescent unit and at a 6–18 month follow-up. It also investigated patient views of treatment provided on the unit. Method Evaluation of outcome involved the collection of outcome ratings from patients, unit staff and referrers. For the purposes of analysis, patients were categorised on admission according to whether they were admitted to the unit for assessment or for treatment. The mean length of stay of those admitted for assessment was 2.8 weeks whilst the mean length of stay of patients admitted for treatment was 14.4 weeks. Acceptability of treatment was examined using patient evaluations of the range of interventions experienced. Results Outcome ratings were generally favourable, although those obtained from referrers varied according to the rating method used. The majority of patients who made progress during their inpatient stay had either maintained or made further progress at follow-up. Patients whose condition remained unchanged during their stay tended to remain unchanged at follow-up. Patients were generally positive about their experience. Conclusions It is possible to investigate outcome in an adolescent unit. The results are encouraging and indicate that this form of treatment can be effective and acceptable.