The Partial Hospitalization Program (also known as PHP) bridges the gap between inpatient and outpatient therapies. It offers intensive, time-limited, psychiatric services to patients living in the community. The PHP meets the needs of individuals who require less than 24-hour care, but who need more comprehensive evaluation and treatment than can reasonably be provided in a traditional outpatient setting.
The Partial Hospital is designed to be both:
- A "crisis stabilization" program for outpatients for whom PHP treatment can help avoid an inpatient admission, and
- A "step-down" program for recently discharged inpatients who need additional structure and treatment as they transition back to the community.
Common reasons for admission to the PHP are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Mood Instability
- Difficulty coping with losses
- Difficulty coping with aging
- Difficulty coping with medical issues
- Numerous physical complaints not explained by a medical condition.
Our goal is to work with patients to restore them to their most independent level of functioning in a reasonable time frame.
The Partial Hospitalization Program is designed specifically for geriatric patients experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms. However, younger adult medical-psychiatric patients will also be considered for admission.
The PHP offers a full range of services and treatmens that address the psychological, biological, and social aspects of the patient's illness. We offer:
- Individual and intensive assessment and diagnostic work-up
- State of the art pharmacological evaluation and medication monitoring
- Treatment with group, family, and individual therapy
- Patient and caregiver education, including life skills groups
- Discharge planning to meet the patient's continuing rehabilitative needs.
All patients admitted to the PHP are assigned to a multidisciplinary treatment team which include nurses, social workers and occupational therapist, all who work under the direction of Psychiatric Director and Clinical Manager. All members of the multidisciplinary team bring their expertise to bear in developing an individualized treatment plan. Treatment goals are set with patient and family participation, and progress is monitored on a daily basis. The goal of treatment is to restore the patient's overall well-being and ability to function effectively in the home and community.
Some advantages of the PHP:
- Crisis Stabilization - The PHP is a low-cost alternative to inpatient hospitalization. Patients in crisis can be diverted to participate in the PHP and avoid being hospitalized.
- Reduces Inpatient Stay - The PHP can also act as a step-down program for
hospitalized inpatients. It is an effective mechanism for shortening inpatient length of stay. Patients with stable home environment can be discharged earlier to the PHP and can avoid lengthy hospitalizations.
- Enhancing the Transition to Outpatient Care - Participating in the PHP allows some patients a slower and therefore smoother transition back to their home and long term care environments. A transitional program can bolster the discharge plan formulated and give the caregivers more time to strengthen the patient's ties to outpatient and community-based services.
- Structured Supervision/Medication Monitoring - The PHP is an appropriate setting for patients who continue to need daily supervision and intensive treatment and yet do not meet the criteria for acute hospitalization.
- Flexible Scheduling/Programming - Patients can receive intensive treatment for a portion of the week while maintaining independent functioning and ties to the community. The program is offered five days a week, although schedules may be reduced to four days as appropriate. The staff is able to work with patients and families to address scheduling issues.
Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford
200 Governors Avenue, Medford, MA
(located on the ground floor of the Courtyard Nursing Home)
781-396-2300
The PHP operates from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm five days per week, Monday - Friday, and offers individualized and flexible scheduling. Patients attend the program directly from home or Nursing Homes and return home at the end of each treatment day. Transportation is available from most local communties. Lunch is also offered.
To make a referral or seek additional information please call 781-396-2300.
|