Determination of the discharge preparation needs andsatisfaction level of chronic psychiatric patients and their caregivers

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to examine the needs of patients with chronic psychiatric disorders in preparationfor discharge from a clinic as well as those of their caregivers, and to evaluate their satisfaction with the process.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted using the responses of 181 patients and 140 caregivers of psychiatricpatients hospitalized over the course of a year in the adult psychiatric unit of a university hospital in a province in theAegean region of Turkey. Questionnaires were used to collect data related to the discharge process and the satisfactionof the patients and their caregivers. Results: More than half of the patients in this study reported that they felt they had not received sufficient informationat discharge about matters such as their legal rights, resources to help them manage their condition, the potentialeffects of stressors and daily life on the transition and disease, and resources available to them for support after dis charge. More than half of the caregivers surveyed also reported that they were also insufficiently prepared. They statedthat they did not receive adequate information about items such as available support resources, how to cope with theeffects of the disease post hospitalization, methods to improve social relationships, side effects of medications, how tomanage the home environment after discharge, what to do when a patient refuses to take medication, patient legalrights, and information on the causes of the disease. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that while offered in some form, in most cases, discharge planning wasinadequate, and did not begin on the first day of hospitalization, as recommended. Most of the caregivers were notincluded in the process. Most of the patients reported that the education provided was insufficient to cope with thestresses caused by the symptoms of the disease after release. It is important to conduct additional studies that evaluatethe needs of patients and caregivers related to the post-discharge period and to provide patient monitoring services.