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The role of relatives in discharge planning from psychiatric hospitals: The perspective of patients and their relatives

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Abstract

This study prospectively assessed the preferences and satisfaction of 98 psychiatric inpatients and 40 of their relatives with family involvement in discharge planning. Preferences questionnaires were administered during hospitalization. Satisfaction questionnaires were completed 3 months later. Preferences noted by most participants included information concerning patient health status, ways to prevent further hospitalizations, services for relatives, and signs of patient decompensation. More relatives than patients felt that post-discharge residence and activities were important areas to be involved in. Most participants were satisfied if relatives were involved in discharge planning. However, up to 89% of patients, and 84% of relatives, reported no communication between clinical staff and relatives regarding discharge. When this was the case, satisfaction rates dropped sharply, especially for relatives. The need for increased communication between clinicians and relatives regarding discharge planning remains a problem.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Douglas Hospital, Montréal

    Michel Perreault Ph.D., Hélène Tardif B.Sc., Geneviève Paquin M.Sc., Julie Desmarais M.Sc. & Nicole Pawliuk M.A.

  2. Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal

    Michel Perreault Ph.D.

  3. Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Québec

    Hélène Provencher Ph.D.

  4. Douglas Hospital, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montréal, H4H 1R3, QC, Canada

    Michel Perreault Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Michel Perreault Ph.D.
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  2. Hélène Tardif B.Sc.
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  3. Hélène Provencher Ph.D.
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  4. Geneviève Paquin M.Sc.
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  5. Julie Desmarais M.Sc.
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  6. Nicole Pawliuk M.A.
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Correspondence to Michel Perreault Ph.D..

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Perreault, M., Tardif, H., Provencher, H. et al. The role of relatives in discharge planning from psychiatric hospitals: The perspective of patients and their relatives. Psychiatr Q 76, 297–315 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-005-4964-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-005-4964-z

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