Does the continuum of care improve the timing of follow-up services?

OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of the continuum-of-care treatment philosophy on the timing of follow-up services received by individuals discharged from inpatient facilities.
METHOD: Using data from the Fort Bragg Evaluation, the analyses involve hazard modeling of the timing of follow-up services.
RESULTS: The continuum-of-care treatment philosophy greatly accelerated the receipt of follow-up services and strengthened the link between the timing of follow-up services and individual and family characteristics.
CONCLUSIONS: Expanding available services and coordinating service use increases the use of follow-up services. The findings also highlight the importance of family resources in shaping service use.