A brief scale for predicting rehospitalization of former psychiatric patients

Community adjustment of former psychiatric patients has been found to relate highly to the likelihood of rehospitalization and community tenure. The present study examined the ability of a community adjustment scale and various other patient characteristics to predict rehospitalization. Multiple regression analysis using rehospitalization as the dependent variable identified thirteen items including twelve from the community adjustment scale, which combined to provide a highly accurate prediction. The brief scale (13 items) which is now being cross-validated is potentially a useful tool for clinical evaluation and planning of follow-up services to former patients.