Abstract
This chapter will introduce the reader to the subject under study, which is psychiatric inpatient length of stay (LOS). The researcher's motivation for this subject is given within the personal statement, along with the research aim, frame of reference and the structure of the dissertation. The background section explores some related concepts to LOS such as the financial considerations of providing mental health care, bed availability, delayed discharge and readmission. These concepts are equally influenced by, and have an influence on, LOS. They form part of the picture that is the inpatient mental health journey and the larger concept of mental health service provision. All of which impacts on the service user, their family/whanau or outside supports, and their use of these services.