Effectiveness of hometreatment in light of clinical elements, chances, and limitations

Objective: The main objective was to evaluate two models of care for children and adolescents requiring hospitalization due to severe mental illness. Model 1: early discharge followed by a newly established home treatment service enhanced by clinical elements according to need (BeZuHG); Model 2: admission to an inpatient unit (TAU). Methods: 100 children and adolescents admitted to inpatient care were randomized to either a control group (regular inpatient stay) or an intervention group (BeZuHG group). Sociodemographic data, ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnoses, health and social functioning, psychopathology, clinical impairment, and service use were assessed pre- and posttreatment regarding effectiveness, outcome, contact time, and acceptance within the families. Results: Clinical outcome in BeZuHG treatment was as effective as inpatient care. There was a good acceptance within the families, family resources enhanced treatment outcome, and a significant reduction in length of inpatient stay could be shown. Conclusions: The BeZuHG model should be a regular option in child and adolescent psychiatric care. Further rigorous evaluation of the model is required: A 1-year follow-up investigating the stability of the shown effects is planned.