Factors Associated With Receiving Early Post-Discharge Follow-up Care in Patients With Schizophrenia

Background: Identifying factors associated with early post-discharge outpatient care is crucial to prevent relapse and suicide in patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with receiving follow-up care within seven days after hospital discharge among patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: This nationwide population-based study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Claim Database of South Korea. All patients aged ≥ 18 years, newly admitted to the hospital with schizophrenia between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018, were included. The outcome of interest was the receipt of outpatient follow-up care within seven days of hospital discharge. Patients' general characteristics and healthcare services were included as independent variables. A generalized estimating equation model was used to examine factors associated with the outcome.

Results: Of 17,565 patients with schizophrenia, 37.6% received outpatient follow-up care within seven days after hospital discharge. Patients who were older and male were less likely to receive follow-up care seven days after discharge. Patients with prior psychiatric outpatient care to their index admission were more likely to receive follow-up care than those without prior outpatient care. A longer hospital stay significantly decreased the likelihood of receiving outpatient follow-up. However, comorbid alcohol use disorder was not associated with receiving follow-up care within seven days of discharge.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need to ensure continuity of care for patients with schizophrenia during discharge planning, with particular attention to vulnerable patients.