Patient-Centered Alternative to Psychiatric Hospitalization for Veterans

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Veterans; Acute Hospitalization
• Interventions: Behavioral: Strong Patient Focus

• Registration Number: NCT00013169
• Lead Sponsor: US Department of Veterans Affairs

Brief Summary

A variety of models of psychiatric hospital alternative care have been developed over the past several decades. San Diego�s Short-Term Acute Residential Treatment (START) model is one of the best established of these alternatives, comprising a network of 6 facilities with a total of 77 beds. Although veterans have been among those served at START programs for many years, no previous study of START or any other model has focused specifically on veterans.

Detailed Description

Background:

A variety of models of psychiatric hospital alternative care have been developed over the past several decades. San Diego�s Short-Term Acute Residential Treatment (START) model is one of the best established of these alternatives, comprising a network of 6 facilities with a total of 77 beds. Although veterans have been among those served at START programs for many years, no previous study of START or any other model has focused specifically on veterans.

Objectives:

The study tested the hypotheses that veterans treated in a START program would demonstrate greater improvement in symptoms and quality of life, as well as greater satisfaction with treatment and lower costs of care than veterans treated at the VA inpatient unit.

Methods:

This study includes elements of both efficacy and effectiveness studies. VA psychiatric unit treatment and START are compared in a randomized trial, with follow up of subjects at 2, 6, and 12 months as they experience real-world treatment-as-usual. Symptoms, functioning, quality of life, and satisfaction with services are assessed on multiple standardized measures, as well as by qualitative assessments.

Status:

Final report is under preparation.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2001-03-14
• Study First Submitted QC: 2001-03-15
• Study First Posted: 2001-03-16
• Study Completion: 2002-09
• Status Verified: 2007-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-04-06
• Last Update Posted: 2015-04-07

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 220

Inclusion Criteria

Have to a veteran and in need of acute hospitalization, but able to take care of themselves. (Max Age is 59)

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Arm 1	Strong Patient Focus	-

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA; 🇺🇸 San Diego, California, United States