ABSTRACT
Short-Term Treatment in psychiatric occupational therapy was chosen for discussion due to this topic's increasing importance and ubiquity. Medicare's initiation of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) in general medicine represents a threat involving further reductions of coverage in psychiatry. Clinical benefits from short-term hospitalization derive from several commonly accepted program aspects. The structure of the unit environment, as evidenced in a daily schedule, community meetings and activity therapy and occupational therapy groups, assists patients in stabilizing defenses. Viewing short-term care as one important part in a continuum of psychiatric care is essential to its efficacy. Psychotropic medications coupled with relief from environmental stressors which cause patient breakdown are significant factors in diminishing acute pathology within the first weeks of hospitalization. Discharge planning is an important area of treatment in that changes in lifestyle are frequently necessary. Identifying what changes are necessary and specifically how these may be accomplished, are within the scope of occupational therapy.
