Table 2: Defining Day Hospital "A"
1. Treatment goal: to provide a therapeutic environment that stabilizes and improves the clinical condition of acutely psychotic adults diverted from inpatient admission.
2. Excludes those unable to maintain minimal standards of safety for themselves or others.
3. On discharge, living skills will be such that, with supervision, clients can manage their own medication and have sufficient judgment to maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle in either a sheltered or supported living setting.
4. The direct clinical staff to client ratio is 1:2.
5. Staff are RNs with 1 MD:25 clients.
6. The average length of stay is 26 days.
7. No limits on the amount or duration of treatment.
8. Coordination with other providers is essential: day hospital treatment is a step below inpatient treatment and a step above community support programs.