Factors influencing placement recommendations for hospitalized individualswith chronic mental illness

This study was undertaken to identify factors that may preclude a patient's discharge from a community mental health center and result in the patient being labeled "unplaceable." Placement recommendations differed between the state hospital staff and a mental health professional employed by the cent er to evaluate 28 patients. A measure designed to assist in the assessment of patients' competencies suggested the professionals' recommendations mere more related to patients' skills in areas associated with community living than were those of the state hospital staff. Follow-up indicated that 15 p atients discharged according to the professionals' recommendations maintain ed community tenure. Use of a more psychometrically sound and comprehensive assessment concerning discharge and placement may improve likelihood of su ccess.