Knowing the unknown: a comparison of the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients requiring hospital admission both known and unknown to community mental health services

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the clinical and demographic factors of these patients to understand if treatment could be provided earlier and prevent the need for hospital admission. Design/methodology/approach A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using secondary data in a large multi site National Health Service Trust in the Northwest of England. The sample comprised of 905 patients over a 12-month period. Findings A high proportion of patients (n = 362, 40%) admitted to inpatient wards were not under community services at the time of admission. Nearly half (n =170, 47%) of these had been discharged from community services previously. This cohort of 362 patients were significantly more likely to be male (n = 202, p <0003), younger (p > 0001), have shorter length of stay (n =17, p < 0.001) and be discharged directly to community services (n = 116, p < 0.001). Practical implications The findings call into question critical elements of the current design of secondary mental health services and support the need for further exploration of access to services. A focus on case load management and continuity of care principles is recommended. Originality/value The authors are not aware of other published work examining previous community involvement for patients admitted to hospital.