Patrones de utilización de la unidad de niños y adolescentes de un centro de salud mental

Resumen

In this study, utiliztion patterns in an outpatient child and adolescent population were examined. Two hundred thirty two ambulatory records in Puerto Rico Metropolitan Area Mental Health Center were reviewed. The sample consisted of all children and adolescents attended from July 1st, a987 through June 30, 1988. The study included pattern use criteria widely accepted in the literature such as, sociodemographic characteristics (age, education, residence zone, sex and parental educational level), disgnostic categories, treatment modalities, treatment duration, reasons for termination, readmissions and follow-up subsequent to termination.

Results indicate the following: males utilize service more frequently than females, the public school refer the greates number of participants, the most frequent diagnosis were adjustment disorders and developmental disorders and the main reason for treatment termination was patientdrop-out. The conclusions point out the need to perform research out the need to perform research on quality assurance, on variables associated with treatment outcomes and on aspects related to program efficiency.