Inpatient Stays Involving Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders

Inpatient Stays Involving Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders by LaTonya Smith MS, Ashford University, 2013 BS, Jackson State University, 2011 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Healthcare Administration Walden University November 2020 Abstract Nearly one-third of Americans suffer from a mental illness. Twenty-three million people are affected by substance use or a dependency issue and the length of stay for patients enrolled in treatment services is rising. Mental health issues and substance use are rising within the United States and are associated with increased healthcare costs and the need for healthcare services. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine theNearly one-third of Americans suffer from a mental illness. Twenty-three million people are affected by substance use or a dependency issue and the length of stay for patients enrolled in treatment services is rising. Mental health issues and substance use are rising within the United States and are associated with increased healthcare costs and the need for healthcare services. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the association between inpatient services, residential, outpatient, age, and payer source on substance use and mental health services using the 2017 Substance Abuse and National Mental Health Services Administration survey. The Donadebian Theory was used as the foundation of the study; the dependent variables in this research were mental illness and substance use. The independent variables in the research were inpatient and outpatient services, payer source, and cost. The data set included 11,582 mental health, 6,466 substance use, 9,697 inpatient, and 8,853 outpatient clients. A Chi-Square test and regression analysis found there was no significant association between the independent variables and mental health as well as substance use services. The study contributed to positive social change by advancing the field of behavioral health for practitioners and recommending viable solutions to decrease the length of stay through providing holistic treatment to individuals who suffer from substance and mental health issues. Inpatient Stays Involving Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders by LaTonya Smith MS, Ashford University, 2013 BS, Jackson State University, 2011 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Healthcare Administration Walden University November 2020 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my parents, Harlen and Jeanette Cavett, to my kids, Kanetra, Kearra, and Robert, and to my grandchildren, my family, and friends. I am grateful to those who accompanied me through this process. Thank you for the unconditional love and support. Acknowledgments I would like to give my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Robert Hijazi for your constant support and motivation. Thank you for the exceptional feedback from my chair, Dr. Nazarene E. Tubman and Dr. Richard Palmer. I would like to also acknowledge my uncle, Dr. Anthony Owens, who motivated me to begin this process. Also, thank you to Dr. Chester Wilson for being a great support in this journey. I would also like to reiterate my gratitude to my family and friends for their support and understanding throughout my doctorate program. I would not have completed this journey without each of you.