A six-month outcome of long-stay inpatients resettled in a hostel

This prospective study evaluated a 6-month outcome of resettlement of long-term psychiatric inpatients to a hostel-based residence. Participants included 92 patients with DSM-IV chronic psychotic disorders, aged 18 to 65 years, hospitalized for 16.7 ± 10.6 years. Evaluations performed at 2 weeks before their resettlement and following 6 months of hostel residence included the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale, Montgomery and Asberg Depression Scale, Clinical Global Impression, Global Assessment of Functioning, Social Adaptive Functioning Evaluation and Social Behavior Schedule. The Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation was completed regularly. Psychopathological symptoms declined and social interaction increased. Hostel-based deinstitutionalization programs are a promising alternative for long-term psychiatric inpatients.