[Clinical Effectiveness of "FlexiTeam" (Home Treatment and Intensive Outpatient Treatment) - Comparison of a Model Project According to § 64b in Berlin with Inpatient Treatment-as-Usual].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of "Home Treatment" (HT) together with intensive outpatient treatment (IAB) in comparison to the usual psychiatric inpatient treatment.

Methods: In a retrospective controlled pre-post-study 83 patients receiving HT plus IAB were matched with 83 patients receiving inpatient treatment as usual. Routine data were compared with regard to length of stay and hospital readmission rate in a follow-up period of 6 and 12 months respectively.

Results: There was no significant reduction of the length of stay of the first hospital admission. However, there was a significant, notable reduction with regard to length of stay and hospital readmission rate in the intervention group in a follow-up period of 6 and 12 months respectively.

Conclusion: HT plus intensive outpatient treatment is an effective complement to the usual psychiatric inpatient treatment. It can reduce the risk of hospital readmission and the length of stay for eligible patients.