%0 Journal Article
%T The effectiveness of a peer-staffed crisis respite program as an alternative to hospitalization
%J Psychiatric services
%D 2018
%A Bouchery, Ellen E.
%A Barna, Michael
%A Babalola, Elizabeth
%A Friend, Daniel
%A Brown, Jonathan D.
%A Blyler, Crystal
%A Ireys, Henry T.
%V 69
%N 10
%P 1069-1074
%X OBJECTIVE: This study assessed whether peer-staffed crisis respite centers implemented in New York City in 2013 as an alternative to hospitalization reduced emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and Medicaid expenditures for individuals enrolled in Medicaid. <br><br>METHODS: This study used Medicaid claims and enrollment data for January 2009 through April 2016 to estimate impacts on ED visits, hospitalizations, and total Medicaid expenditures by using a difference-in-differences model with a matched comparison group. The study sample included 401 respite center clients and 1,796 members of the comparison group. <br><br>RESULTS: In the month of crisis respite use and the 11 subsequent months, Medicaid expenditures were on average $2,138 lower per Medicaid-enrolled month and there were 2.9 fewer hospitalizations for crisis respite clients than would have been expected in the absence of the intervention (p<.01). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Peer-staffed crisis respite services resulted in lowered rates of Medicaid-funded hospitalizations and health expenditures for participants compared with a comparison group. The findings suggest that peer-staffed crisis respites can achieve system-level impacts.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I American Psychiatric Association
%@ 1075-2730
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201700451