Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness (FUH)

The percentage of discharges for persons 6 years of age and older who were hospitalized for a principal diagnosis of mental illness, or any diagnosis of intentional self-harm, and had a mental health follow-up service. Two rates are reported: 

  1. The percentage of discharges for which the person received follow-up within 30 days after discharge. 
  2. The percentage of discharges for which the person received follow-up within 7 days after discharge. 

Why It Matters

Mental health disorders are common in the U.S; an estimated 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness, which translates to about 57.8 million people. Recent research estimates that 1 in 6 children experience a mental health disorder each year (1,2). 

Ensuring coordination of care for individuals leaving the inpatient setting is critical. Individuals discharged from these settings may face health risks, including potential medication non-compliance, social isolation, substance use, suicidal ideation or self-harm, as well as financial or practical challenges, such as stable housing (3,4,5). Follow-up services can act as a critical link between the inpatient setting and transition into the community, ensuring coordination of care and ongoing support. During follow-up, providers have the opportunity to evaluate progress, address emerging symptoms and concerns, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Early interventions and proactive management of potential challenges can reduce risk of readmission and promote sustained well-being. Additionally, studies have shown that timely follow-up after psychiatric hospitalization can increase the likelihood of adherence to medication and outpatient treatment, and reduce risk of suicide (4,5,6) . 

Historical Results – National Averages

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References

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 2023. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. HHS Publication No. PEP23-07-01-006, NSDUH Series H-58). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-annual-national-report
  2. Whitney, D.G., M.D. Peterson. 2019. “US National and State-Level Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders and Disparities of Mental Health Care Use in Children.” JAMA Pediatr 173(4):389–91. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.539
  3. Fontanella, C.A., L.A. Warner, J.D. Steelesmith, G. Brock, J.A. Bridge, & J.V. Campo. 2020. “Association of Timely Outpatient Mental Health Services for Youths after Psychiatric Hospitalization with Risk of Death by Suicide.” JAMA Network Open 3(8), E2012887-E2012887.
  4. Chung, D.T. C.J. Ryan, D. Hadzi-Pavlovic, S.P. Singh, C. Stanton, & M.M. Large. 2017. “Suicide Rates After Discharge From Psychiatric Facilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” JAMA Psychiatry, 74(7), 694–702
  5. Fontanella, C.A., J.A. Bridge, S.C. Marcus, & Campo, J.V. 2011. “Factors Associated with Antidepressant Adherence for Medicaid-Enrolled Children and Adolescents. Annals of Pharmacotherapy 45(7-8), 898–909.
  6. Beadles, C.A., A.R. Ellis, J.C. Lichstein, J.F. Farley, C.T. Jackson, J.P. Morrissey, & M.E. Domino. 2015. “First Outpatient Follow-Up After Psychiatric Hospitalization: Does One Size Fit All?” Psychiatric Services 66(4), 364–72. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201400081

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