Evaluating the effectiveness of a women's crisis house: a prospective observational study

Aims and Method To investigate the effectiveness of the Women's Service crisis house in Croydon we performed an observational study prospectively measuring functioning, symptom severity and unmet needs before and after admission. Use of mainstream mental health services was also measured. Results Women using the service had high use of mainstream mental health services, with 137 out of 269 (51%) requiring admission to a mainstream acute ward in the 4 years studied. The service was effective with an improvement in Global Assessment of Functioning scores from a median of 48 on admission to 67 on discharge ( P <0.001). Clinical Implications The women's crisis house was effective in providing for women who required high levels of mainstream mental health services, suggesting that it provides a valuable alternative to standard in-patient care.