Impact of VA bed closures on use of state psychiatric services

Citation
R. Rosenheck et al., Impact of VA bed closures on use of state psychiatric services, J BEHAV H S, 28(1), 2001, pp. 58-66
Citations number
17
Categorie Soggetti
Public Health & Health Care Science
Journal title
JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES & RESEARCH
ISSN journal
10943412 → ACNP
Volume
28
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
58 - 66
Database
ISI
SICI code
1094-3412(200102)28:1<58:IOVBCO>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
This study examined whether inpatient bed reductions at a Department of Vet erans Affairs (VA) medical center increased VA patients' use of state menta l health agency services. Veterans residing in two Connecticut cities who u sed VA psychiatric services during fiscal years 1993 through 1998 (n = 2,94 3) were identified from computerized files. Then their records were merged with state files. Coinciding with the time of VA bed closures, the proporti on of VA patients who used any state services increased from 2.6%, 2.8%, an d 2. 7% from 1993 through 1995 To 3.6%, 3.5%, and 3.6% from 1996 through 19 98 (p < .03), These changes reflect increased likelihood of state outpatien t service use, bur not inpatient services. No statistically significant cha nges occurred in the cost of stare services used by VA patients. Bed closur e impart may be reflected in increased cross-system service use, which may be a useful indicator of unmet needs resulting from system changes.