Innovations in practice: Pilot evaluation of the supported discharge service (SDS): Clinical outcomes and service use.

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Background: The Supported Discharge Service (SDS) is a model of enhanced care in the community for adolescents after inpatient discharge. Methods: This study comprised the first 20 patients referred to SDS, largely those with delayed discharges. Service use and clinical outcomes were collected and predictors of total contact time were investigated. Results: Significant improvements had been made with SDS. Higher baseline Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) conduct scores were associated with less contact time. Conclusions: SDS is a feasible model of care. Adolescents with conduct problems may benefit from engagement strategies. Further rigorous evaluation of the model is required.