An investigation into the length of hospital stay for deaf mental health service users

Abstract

This study looked at the average length of hospital stay for inpatients in a specialist deaf mental health service over a 10-year period, in comparison to that of a general psychiatric hearing cohort. In addition, two case studies of deaf inpatients were carried out looking specifically at the prerequisite factors governing discharge. Finally, a comparison of the types of community-based services available to deaf and hearing service users was undertaken in order to establish whether there was now a similarity of provision for both groups. The conclusion reached was that deaf inpatients are likely to remain in hospital twice as long as their hearing peers, but explanations for this difference may not necessarily be solely of a clinical nature. There is some evidence to suggest that social factors (i.e., a lack of appropriate community support, rehabilitation services, and provision) may have a negative impact on length of hospital stay. It is suggested that an increase in community-based services and provision may well shorten the length of hospital stay for deaf service users in the future. It is also recommended that further research into the relative effects of clinical versus social factors is considered.