CLINICAL USEFULNESS OF AN AFTERCARE WORKER FOR PSYCHOTIC-PATIENTS DISCHARGED FROM HALF-WAY HOUSES IN HONG-KONG

Background. The aim was to assess the clinical usefulness and economic viability of an aftercare worker for psychotic patients discharged fr om half-way houses in Hong Kong. Method. A sample of 32 chronic psycho tic patients was provided with a full-time aftercare worker. A matched control group received no such service. Results. The experimental gro up was found to have greater and better employment prospects, better m ental status with less hospitalisation and less law-breaking behaviour than the control group. Some of these benefits were converted into ec onomic terms and the tangible costs incurred in the project were calcu lated. Conclusions. The provision of an aftercare service is clinicall y useful and economically viable.