Hospital treatment and management in relapse of schizophrenia in the UK: associated costs

Aims and method Relapse in schizophrenia carries a heavy burden. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients admitted to hospital for relapse and to explore the treatment, length of stay and associated in-patient costs. The sample comprised individuals discharged from a London National Health Service trust following a relapse of schizophrenia. The costs of hospital treatment were obtained by applying referenced unit costs. Results The cohort comprised 71 patients. Treatment non-adherence was implicated in 76% of relapses. Mean length of hospital stay was 138.9 days (range 1 week1.8 years). Mean admission cost was 25 pound 852 (range 1270-120 pound 000). Over 97% of costs were hospital costs and less than 3% drug costs. Clinical implications Hospital treatment for relapse of schizophrenia carries a considerable economic burden, as shown in this study. Treatment non-adherence is a significant factor contributing to relapse.