ABSTRACT
Partial hospital programs (PHPs) provide an important intermediate level of care for individuals who are either stepping down from inpatient hospitalization or stepping up from outpatient services. Despite their role at a critical juncture for symptom stabilization, PHPs remain a relatively understudied clinical setting. First, we describe potential opportunities afforded by conducting research in PHPs, including allowing scientists (a) to study a patient population with a high degree of severity, comorbidity, and heterogeneity in symptom presentation; (b) to examine treatment outcomes and processes as they unfold in naturalistic settings; and (c) to test brief novel interventions for mental health. Second, we review practical considerations for setting up a research infrastructure integrated within evidence-based clinical care. Third, we explain how to design and carry out specific research projects in PHPs, and provide examples of studies successfully completed at the Behavioral Health Partial (BHP) Program at McLean Hospital. Finally, we discuss obstacles that researchers may encounter while carrying out projects, and offer possible solutions to maximize the acceptability, feasibility, and usefulness of conducting research in PHPs.
