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.

Practice implications: The study emphasises the need for psychoeducational and psychosocial interventions, starting already during the inpatient stay.

Keywords: Community support; Coping strategies; Discharge planning; Focus groups; Patient perspectives; Psychiatric rehospitalisation.