An evaluation of the cost effectiveness of day hospitalization for black male schizophrenics.

This controlled study, utilizing matched pairs, evaluates the relative cost effectiveness of day hospitalization to inpatient treatment in a group of 18- to 24-year-old black schizophrenic males. Global Assessment Scale scores were measured upon intake, at the time of discharge, and at the three-month follow-up to determine the level of patient functioning for each treatment group. Cost outcome measures were made for each program and a side-by-side cost effective analysis was conducted between the two. Results reveal evidence that day treatment was superior to inpatient care at a lower cost for a longer period of time.