Table.

Trials included in systematic review

Trial	Method (duration)	No and description of participants (setting)	Intervention	Outcomes
Glick 19754 10-12	“Random allocation,” not blind (2 years)	155; all with schizophrenia (57% paranoid). Mean age 23, 84% single, 10% black, 85% social class 3-5 (San Francisco, USA)	Short admission: 21-28 days, early discharge plan, rapid assessment, crisis resolution, long term rehabilitation plan Standard admission: 90-120 days, assessment after 2 weeks, included psychotherapy Similar fixed drug regimens across both groups. Adjustment for higher education status, socioeconomic status, and premorbidity in long stay group reported	Readmission, days in hospital, premature discharge, mental state, health sickness rating scale, social function, patient satisfaction, family burden, employment status, economic data
Glick 197620-22	“Randomly assigned,” not blind (26 months)	74; “non-schizophrenic” including affective disorders, neuroses, and severe personality disorders (excluding drug and alcohol dependency). Mean age not known (San Francisco, USA)	Short admission: as above Standard admission: as above	As above
Herz 197513-17	“Randomly assigned,” not blind (2 years)	175; severe mental illness; 60% schizophrenic. Excluded: under 16 years, organic brain disease, concurrent medical illness, drug and alcohol misuse (New York, USA)	Short admission: 7 days’ planned discharge to day hospital or outpatient care Standard admission: length of stay determined by carers	Global function, mental state, family burden
Hirsch 197918 19	“Randomly assigned,” not blind (1 year)	224; with “functional psychiatric disorder.” Excluded: under 16 years, outside catchment, organic brain disease (London, United Kingdom)	Short admission: planned discharge less than 8 days Standard admission: discharged at carers’ discretion	Mental state, behaviour, discharge date, loss to follow up, re admission, costs