Measurement of Discontinuity of Psychiatric Inpatient Care

CONTINUITY of psychiatric care is often said to have special virtue.What is meant by such continuity, however, needs clarification.For example, a recent publication of the Na¬ tional Institute of Mental Health (1) relative to community mental health centers contains these statements:"Since the elements of the center need not be under one roof, nor even under a single spon¬ sorship, the administration of the various com- ponents must be done in such a manner that the goal of smooth continuity of care is achieved.""In some community centers, such as Colo- rado's Fort Logan State Hospital, emphasis is placed on maintaining continuity of therapists.""Since the object is to provide a complete circle of treatment for patients at the com¬ munity level . .."The third idea."toprovide a complete circle of treatment".has a somber sound, and the first two suggest restless bedfellows.