The effect of an inpatient transition intervention on attendance at the first appointment postdischarge from a psychiatric hospitalization.

Background: Only 42% of initial appointments following psychiatric hospitalization are kept nationally. Missed appointments increase the likelihood of rehospitalization and increase costs of outpatient care.

Objective: This study explored the feasibility, outcomes, and cost of a transition intervention on attendance at the first postdischarge appointment.

Design: A pilot study using a one-group prospective design interviewed 15 patients hospitalized with psychosis to address potential barriers to attendance at the first postdischarge appointment. Patients also identified an agenda for this appointment and received a reminder letter.

Results: Twelve (92%) of 13 patients attended the postdischarge appointment compared with the previous rate of 44%. Two additional patients were unable to attend because they had been rehospitalized before the scheduled time of the first appointment.

Discussion: Contact with a clinician who can bridge the gap between discharge and the first postdischarge appointment is feasible and may be helpful in increasing attendance rates.