Relationships Between Psychiatric Clinical Assessment Scores and Patients’ Daily Activities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Because of the increasing demands in the mental health care environment, providers are called upon to demonstrate the efficacy of treatment. Few studies have examined the relationship between symptoms at admission and level of functioning, involvement in treatment, and rehospitalization rates. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to: (a) examine the relationship between symptoms at admission, level of functioning, and exposure to activities for inpatients with depression and anxiety disorders; and (b) examine the association between inpatient exposure to activities and rehospitalization rates. DESIGN: This study was a secondary analysis of a nonprobability convenience sampling of 67 patients, ages 18 to 80 years, who were admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. The Global Assessment Scale and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess functioning and symptoms. The Nursing Record of Patient Daily Activities was used to record patient activities. RESULTS: Global Assessment Scores at time of admission were positively related to independent patient activities. Readmitted patients were more likely to have a diagnosis of depression and be taking anxiolytics at the time of admission. CONCLUSIONS: More studies are needed to examine the relationship between admission and posthospitalization symptoms, level of functioning in patients, and treatment components to ascertain which aspects of treatment are most effective for patients with specific symptoms, levels of functioning, and diagnoses. Patients’ symptoms and level of functioning at the time of admission should help guide the development of appropriate treatment plans.