Characteristics of admissions considered inappropriate by junior psychiatrists

Abstract

Aims and methodThe aim of the study was to identify medical and socio-demographic characteristics of admissions considered inappropriate by psychiatrists. Appropriateness of admission was assessed by questionnaire. Medical and socio-demographic characteristics of each admission were obtained by case note review.ResultsTwenty-five per cent of admissions were considered inappropriate. These patients showed high levels of adverse socio-demographic characteristics and commonly were diagnosed as personality disordered or as substance misusers. Junior doctors commonly admitted patients despite considering admission inappropriate.Clinical implicationsRegular audit of the admission, process should be encouraged.