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Discharge planning, self-management, and community support: Strategies to avoid psychiatric rehospitalisation from a service user perspective

Abstract

Objective

Psychiatric rehospitalisation is often seen as a negative outcome in terms of healthcare quality and cost, as well as potentially hindering the process of recovery. The purpose of our study was to explore psychiatric rehospitalisation from a service-user perspective, paying attention to how rehospitalisation can be avoided.

Method

Eight focus groups, including a total of 55 mental health service users, were conducted in six European countries (Austria, Finland, Italy, Norway, Romania, and Slovenia). The results were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

All participants had been in touch with mental health services for at least one year, and had experienced more than one psychiatric hospitalisation. Participants emphasised the importance of discharge planning and psychoeducation both during and after the hospital stay, as well as the benefits of structured plans, coping strategies, self-monitoring techniques, and close contact with local community services.Social contacts and meaningful activities were also considered to be critical, as was support from peers and family members.

Conclusion

Efforts to avoid psychiatric rehospitalisation should include actions that support a functional day-to-day life, improve coping strategies, and build on cross-sectoral collaboration.

Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Marian Ådnanes
  • Johanna Cresswell-Smith
  • Line Melby
  • Heidi Westerlund
  • Lilijana Sprah
  • Raluca Sfetku
  • Christa Straßmayr
  • Valeria Donisi

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Digital / Health Research
  • National Institute for Health and Welfare
  • University of Verona
  • Romania
  • Slovenia
  • Austria
  • Andre institusjoner

Year

2019

Published in

Patient Education and Counseling

ISSN

0738-3991

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository