Objective: This paper describes the extent of heavy use of inpatient psychiatric services. It reveals predictors of heavy use.
Methods: 969 users of inpatient psychiatric services in the city of Leipzig were identified based on health insurance data.
Results: 16,7 % of the patients had at least 3 admissions and were classified as heavy users. They accounted for 36,4 % of the total inpatient cost. Patients suffering from schizophrenia or a comorbidity with personality disorders had a higher risk to be a heavy user. The kind of facility and the way of discharge were also predictors for heavy use.
Conclusions: Further qualitative analyses should identify reasons for heavy users to utilize inpatient services and find out other opportunities of care for these patients.