High and Intensive Care in Psychiatry: A New Model for Acute Inpatient Care

• Published in: Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.) Vol. 72; no. 4; pp. 475 - 477
• Main Authors: Voskes, Yolande, van Melle, Anne Laura, Widdershoven, Guy A. M, van Mierlo, A. F. M. M, Bovenberg, Frits J. M, Mulder, Cornelis L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Psychiatric Association 01-04-2021; American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc
• Subjects: Health care; Inpatient care; Intensive care; Mental health care; Primary care; Studies; reduction of coercion; Crisis intervention; Models/theories of psychiatry
• ISSN: 1075-2730; 1557-9700
• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201800440

In response to three reforms in Dutch mental health care, an organizational framework, including methods and interventions, was developed as part of a new model for acute inpatient care. Core elements of high and intensive care (HIC) include preventing seclusion by means of a stepped-care principle; a six-step process of admission, treatment, and care; combining medical and recovery approaches; combining professional and experiential knowledge; and providing a healing environment. The HIC model differs from the utilization of psychiatric intensive care units in that it focuses on collaboration with outpatient care; establishing contact between staff, patients, and relatives; and minimizing coercion.