Seasons program focuses on alternative treatment: 9/16

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Seasons program focuses on alternative treatment

By Tom Robinson
Institute of Psychiatry

Seasons, a progressive outpatient program for geriatric and older patients with psychiatric illnesses within the Institute of Psychiatry, was MUSC's highest outpatient satisfaction program for the quarter, with an Avatar score of 93 percent.

Seasons is designed as an alternative treatment when traditional outpatient care is not working, but inpatient treatment is not required or desired. The treatment focuses on group therapy and is offered during the daytime, allowing the patients to spend the evening at home. Avatar International is a non-profit company providing patient satisfaction data.

Staff members from the Institute of Psychiatry's Seasons program celebrate being selected MUSC's highest outpatient satisfaction for the quarter.

One recent psychiatric patient said, "I know without question that when I leave this facility, I will be prepared to leave and function much better than I ever have been." Another patient commented, "This program and my determination have kept me out of the (psychiatric) hospital for 135 days, a record in recent years. I am so thankful."

Jessica Broadway, M.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Institute of Psychiatry, who is board-certified in geriatric psychiatry, said, "Many of us are struggling to manage aging parents who are afflicted with depression, reduced cognitive ability and other effects of aging. Coming to groups at Seasons lets patients know that they are not alone, and that they can learn to improve their quality of life."

Treating geriatric patients is a very complex issue. Older people have many co-occurring medical problems. Their body mass and muscle-fat-water ratios affect how they metabolize certain medications. Changes in the brain of an older person affect memory, thinking and mood. Urinary tract infections and hypoxia (lack of oxygen), common in older patients, often present as delirium. Delirium can often be confused with dementia by the untrained practitioner. MUSC's Institute of Psychiatry has considerable expertise in this specialized area. In addition to Broadway, Ed Weiss, M.D., the attending physician on the Senior Care inpatient unit, is also board-certified in geriatric psychiatry, as is geriatric psychiatrist, Mary Hart Craig, M.D.

If you have a parent, friend or loved one with a psychiatric condition who may benefit from the Seasons program, call 792-5567 for an assessment.

Friday, Sept. 16, 2011

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