Hospital to Home and Community Experiences of Discharged Adult Psychiatric Patients: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Transition experiences of psychiatric patients are crucial in their recovery, and may or may not lead to psychiatric re-hospitalization. In the Philippines, less is known about what happens to psychiatric patients post-discharge. The study utilized a qualitative approach in exploring how discharged psychiatric patients transition from the hospital to their respective homes and communities. Data were gathered from six adult psychiatric patients through semi-structured interviews. The participants were 20 to 36 years old, had an admitting diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, and were back to their community for more than seven days from their discharge. Through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research found that living inside a psychiatric facility/hospital meant living in a structured lifestyle. They also perceive their admission as necessary to rest, become better, and prevent themselves from hurting others, including themselves. At discharge, they felt different emotions: happy, excited, nervous, disbelief, and nothingness. Some participants felt that living outside the facility/hospital meant continuing to live their lives prior to hospitalization. In contrast, it meant changing perspectives and old lifestyles for the others. At the same time, changes with their environment, especially with their relationships with their families were vital as families were the primary source of support of most participants. The findings were essential in gaining perspectives on how psychiatric patients view their reintegration as members of the society.



Author Information
Cristeta Ventura, University of Santo Tomas Graduate School, Philippines
Marie Antonette J. Sunga-Vargas, University of Santo Tomas Graduate School, Philippines

Paper Information
Conference: ACP2022
Stream: Mental Health

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Posted by James Alexander Gordon