In 2007-2008, there were more than 52,000 admissions to mental health beds in Ontario, and new data show that the vast majority of these showed improvements during their hospital stay. For example, the analysis found that 83% of people hospitalized for mental illness were showing signs of depression at the time of their admission. Of those, 75% showed a decrease in signs of depression by the time they were discharged. Likewise, the majority of patients who showed signs of aggression at the time of admission for a mental illness (representing 29% of mental health hospitalizations) saw a decrease in aggressive behaviour at the time of discharge.

The analysis released on March 31st by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) presents new information relating to the characteristics and care needs of people 15 years of age and older admitted to a mental health bed in Ontario. Four out of five admissions were for people who had been living in a private residence before being admitted to hospital, and almost 9 out of 10 (89%) of those returned to that living setting upon discharge.

Exploring Hospital Mental Health Service Use in Ontario, 2007-2008 also demonstrates differences in life situations faced by those hospitalized for mental illness. People admitted to a mental health bed in Ontario were less likely than the general population to be employed (24% versus 64%), less likely to be married or living with a partner (29% versus 60%) and less likely to have received postsecondary education (39% versus 59%).

About CIHI

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI's goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI's data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.

Source
Canadian Institute for Health Information