Around-the-clock mobile psychiatric crisis intervention: another effective alternative to psychiatric hospitalization.

This retrospective study evaluates the effect of the addition of a mobile psychiatrist to a 24-hour crisis intervention team, on the number of admissions, to the local state and private hospitals, of residents of the team's catchment area. During the Program period, the psychiatrist was available at the site of the crisis to provide immediate psychiatric treatment. The number of admissions to the hospitals during the Program period was then compared to those of the corresponding periods of the two previous years and of the year after, by means of a time series statistical analysis. When the on-site services of a psychiatrist were added to the mobile crisis intervention program a sharp decrease in state hospital admissions took place, without any increase in private hospital admissions. This decrease was followed by a definite rebound, after the on-site services of the psychiatrist were terminated, and throughout the following year.

The nonprofessional hospital volunteer as a member of the psychiatric consultation team.

The use of a nonprofessional volunteer as a link between the patient and the psychiatrist in the psychiatric consultation service of a general hospital is described. The volunteer has interacted with patients and psychiatrists successfully in several ways. In addition to her participation in rounds, she helps contribute to diagnosis as well as to patient care through activity therapy and psychological support. Problems encountered in relation to staff and patients are discussed, but it is concluded that there are specific contributions that can best be made by a nonprofessional volunteer.