Acute child psychiatric inpatient care in Tampere University Hospital in 2017–2018

Background The need for children’s acute psychiatric inpatient care has multiplied in Tampere University Hospital.

Methods The study was based on patient records of 100 patients in the Tampere University Hospital paediatric acute psychiatric ward. The aims of the study were to assess the reasons for referral, the psychiatric condition of the patients, the content and effectiveness of the treatment and plans for follow-up care.

Results The patients’ median age was 11 years and 51% were male. Most of the referrals came from the paediatric psychiatry clinic. Suicidality was the most common reason for referral. The psychosocial burden of the patients was high. Psychiatric medication, especially antipsychotics, was commonly used during the inpatient care. A significant improvement was seen in general functional assessment scales (CGAS, HoNOSCA) during care. Most patients remained in paediatric specialized psychiatric care after the inpatient care.

Conclusions The gender distribution among the patients was equal, differing from earlier study results. The patients in the acute ward had severe psychiatric disorders and psychosocial burden. The acute care period had a significant, positive effect on the patients’ health and functioning.