Original Articles
A clinical study of child mental health inpatient care
Authors:
H Perera ,
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, LK
About H
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine Colombo,
K Wanigatunge,
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, LK
About K
Medical Officer in Psychiatry,
T Gadambanathan
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, LK
About T
Senior Registrar in Psychiatry, National Hospital, Colombo.
Abstract
Objectives To explore whether admissions to a child
mental health inpatient unit in a tertiary care paediatric
hospital were justified and estimate whether inpatient
unit provided a beneficial service to patients and their
families.
Method A retrospective analysis of 191 consecutive
admissions to unit over 15 months. Relevant
information was obtained from clinical case notes
recorded and maintained during hospital stay.
Additional data was obtained from standardized
assessment schedules used for validation of diagnoses
and neuropsychological assessment carried out during
admission.
Results Ages ranged from 2-12 years. Most patients
were referred by paediatricians. Medically unexplained
somatic symptoms and disruptive behaviour were the
most prevalent presenting features. Multidisciplinary
approach to care and objectively supported assessment
and intervention strategies were beneficial in over 80%
of patients. Average duration of hospitalisation was 6.4
days. None dropped out of treatment. There was a 12%
readmission rate and an 18.4% unsatisfactory rating for
outcome.
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2004; 33: 6-8
(Key words: Clinical study, child mental health, inpatient care)
doi: 10.4038/sljch.v33i1.660
How to Cite:
Perera, H., Wanigatunge, K. and Gadambanathan, T., 2009. A clinical study of child mental health inpatient care. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 33(1), pp.6–8. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v33i1.660
Published on
09 Jul 2009.
Peer Reviewed
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