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Characteristics of admissions considered inappropriate by junior psychiatrists

Peter Hodgkinson Centre, County Hospital, Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 5UA

Aims and method The aim of the study was to identify medical and socio-demographic characteristics of admissions considered inappropriate by psychiatrists. Appropriateness of admission was assessed by questionnaire. Medical and socio-demographic characteristics of each admission were obtained by case note review.

Results Twenty-five per cent of admissions were considered inappropriate. These patients showed high levels of adverse socio-demographic characteristics and commonly were diagnosed as personality disordered or as substance misusers. Junior doctors commonly admitted patients despite considering admission inappropriate.

Clinical implications Regular audit of the admission, process should be encouraged.