A Controlled Experimental Study of the Therapist-Administrator Split

The effect of separating therapy and administrative responsibilities was evaluated in a controlled experimental study of 24 patients. The authors found that schizophrenics treated by two physicians (a t/a split) remained in the hospital an average of three times as long as schizophrenics treated by one physician, who served as both therapist and administrator. Although the t/a split arrangement appeared to have learning value for the residents who participated, and although there may be specific clinical indications for its use in some cases, the authors conclude that it has no routine place in the treatment of schizophrenic patients.