Needs for care of former long-stay-patients living outside of the psychiatric hospital

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the needs for care of 116 former long-stay patients during the first 42.9 months after discharge. Method: Patients and mental health professionals rated needs using the,,Berliner Bedurfnisinventar" (Berlin Needs for Care Inventory). Results: Out of a total of 16 needs areas, patients reported a mean number of 7.6 needs, therapists reported 10 needs. Patients with lower global functioning scores showed a significantly lower number of needs, while patients living in psychiatric nursing homes and patients with learning disabilities had a significantly higher number of needs. In most areas, agreement between patients' and therapists' assessment was good to moderate. In most areas the rate of unmet versus total needs was above 90%. Patients received help almost exclusively from institutions or mental health services. Conclusion: The care needs of discharged patients were generally met and placement in institutions was considered appropriate.