The relocation of a psychiatric crisis intervention unit from a somatic to a psychiatric hospital: a multi-method observational study

Abstract

Abstract The Crisis Intervention Ward relocated from a general hospital to a psychiatric hospital in Basel, Switzerland, on May 26, 2023. We hypothesize that this relocation influenced patient demographics, frequencies of main diagnoses, involuntary admissions, transfer rates, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and clinician perceptions of the treatment setting. We compared two patient cohorts: one from a 12 month period pre-relocation and the other from a 12 month period post-relocation. Two outpatient clinician surveys—one conducted pre- and one post-relocation—assessed location ratings, treatment satisfaction, and the perceived benefits and disadvantages of each location. Prior to relocation, 625 cases were treated; after relocation, 686 cases. Patient’s age and gender showed no differences. The frequency of affective disorders (F3) was lower (Φ = − 0.124) at the psychiatric hospital. Clinical outcomes, involuntary patient admissions, and transfer rates to other psychiatric wards were comparable. Patient-reported satisfaction was lower at the psychiatric hospital (mean 4.6 vs. mean 5.2, r  = 0.23). Outpatient clinicians favored the general hospital setting strongly ( r  = 0.78–0.81). Clinical outcomes remained stable, but patient satisfaction was lower after relocation, and clinicians perceived barriers related to accessibility and stigma at the psychiatric hospital.