individuals in the denominator who had documented therapeutic contact with a mental health professional within 14 days of discharge
(following a first psychiatric hospitalization discharge during the measurement year)
Individuals aged 18 and older who were discharged from a prolonged psychiatric hospitalization (lasting between 14 and 365 days) during the measurement year.
Medical follow-up after an acute medical event, such as hospitalization, is common practice and has been shown to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, including those related to mental health. Enhanced continuity of community healthcare following hospitalization helps reduce complications during the post-acute period. This period also represents an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the patient and community healthcare providers and to improve adherence to ongoing treatment (1). Among patients with mental illness, structured post-discharge follow-up and direct in-person contact have been shown to decrease the risk of suicide attempts (2) and reduce repeat psychiatric hospitalizations (3).
Notes: (1) The term “psychiatric hospitalization” refers to admissions to specialized psychiatric institutions as well as to psychiatric departments within general hospitals. (2) “Contact with a mental health professional in the community” refers to: a visit to an outpatient service within a psychiatric hospital; a visit to a community mental health clinic with any professional other than a family physician; or a visit outside a mental health clinic to a psychiatrist, child psychiatrist, psychologist, mental health social worker, or mental health nurse.
1. Lisa Dixon, Richard Goldberg, Virginia Iannone, Alicia Lucksted, Clayton Brown, Julie Kreyenbuhl, et al. Use of a Critical Time Intervention to Promote Continuity of Care After Psychiatric Inpatient Hospitalization. 2009;
2. June JD, Luxton DD, Comtois KA. Can Postdischarge Follow-Up Contacts Prevent Suicide and Suicidal Behavior. Crisis. 2013;
3. Barekatain M, Maracy MR, Rajabi F, Baratian H. Aftercare services for patients with severe mental disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2014.
