Taxonomy to Describe Functional Roles of State Hospitals

A Taxonomy to Describe the Current Functional Roles of State Hospitals

Principal Co-Investigators: Judith Samuels, Ph.D., and Carole Siegel, Ph.D., in collaboration with Principal Investigator: Howard Goldman, M.D., Ph.D., National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Research Institute

PROJECT GOALS
The Center has contributed to a study of the residual role of state hospitals conducted by the NASMHPD Research Institute (Howard Goldman, M.D., Ph.D., Principal Investigator). The goal of the study is to gain insight into the role that state hospitals should play in future mental health systems to ensure that certain levels and types of care remain available. Center investigators are developing a taxonomy for state hospitals that includes functional roles and resources allocated to perform these functions and are systematically describing and comparing state hospitals across the nation.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS
Center researchers contributed to an analysis of the structural composition of inpatient services at Rockland Psychiatric Center, a state psychiatric hospital serving recipients from Rockland and southern Westchester counties. Hospital units were characterized by treatment philosophy and by ward/unit characteristics such as staffing, personnel costs, number of beds, and length of stay of patients in the units.

The results of this analysis were presented at a study team meeting at NASMHPD in Alexandria, Va. in August, 1996. Comparisons between Rockland and other study areas such as Colorado were discussed and the unique and innovative "Treatment Mall" program at Rockland was highlighted. In November, the study team attended a one day seminar and tour of the Rockland facility that included lectures by the hospital director, medical director and nursing staff supervisor.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS/POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The Center portion of this study has helped to build a clearer understanding of the current and long-term functions of state-run psychiatric hospitals. This information is critical to the planning process as states reform their mental health systems.

Project completed.

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