Title of Research
The Effectiveness of Discharge Planning in Mental Health: An Integrative Review of Literature
Start Date
18-8-2017 10:00 AM
End Date
18-8-2017 11:30 AM
Abstract
Background: Mental health inpatient treatment goals revolve around crisis stabilization and structure. In recent years, an evolution of mental health care has led to shorter inpatient hospital stays because insurance driven health plans place pressure on providers to expedite discharge.
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the most effective discharge planning practices for inpatient mental health that are currently in practice.
Method: An integrative review of literature was conducted using CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PubMed with specific search terms.
Results: The results of the integrative literature review suggest that the discharge process is most effective when healthcare providers consult multiple stakeholders and discuss expectations for the patient. Comprehensive discharge planning involves considering a variety of best practices and crafting a feasible plan relevant to each individual. The current literature, however is limited in providing evidence of successful specific practices and outcomes which proves a need for further research.
Conclusion: Shorter admissions have led to mental health patients experiencing more transitions of care which heightens the need for better discharge planning. Implications for nursing practice involve improvement of care planning practices to ensure a successful transition to outpatient treatment and lowering inpatient readmission rates.
Keywords: discharge plan, care transition, mental health inpatient treatment, after care
Included in
The Effectiveness of Discharge Planning in Mental Health: An Integrative Review of Literature
Background: Mental health inpatient treatment goals revolve around crisis stabilization and structure. In recent years, an evolution of mental health care has led to shorter inpatient hospital stays because insurance driven health plans place pressure on providers to expedite discharge.
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the most effective discharge planning practices for inpatient mental health that are currently in practice.
Method: An integrative review of literature was conducted using CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PubMed with specific search terms.
Results: The results of the integrative literature review suggest that the discharge process is most effective when healthcare providers consult multiple stakeholders and discuss expectations for the patient. Comprehensive discharge planning involves considering a variety of best practices and crafting a feasible plan relevant to each individual. The current literature, however is limited in providing evidence of successful specific practices and outcomes which proves a need for further research.
Conclusion: Shorter admissions have led to mental health patients experiencing more transitions of care which heightens the need for better discharge planning. Implications for nursing practice involve improvement of care planning practices to ensure a successful transition to outpatient treatment and lowering inpatient readmission rates.
Keywords: discharge plan, care transition, mental health inpatient treatment, after care