Experiences of clients who have made the transition from the psychiatric hospital to community service provision: a phenomenological approach

Authors:
MANNIX-MCNAMARA Patricia, et al
Journal article citation:
International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 14(1), 2012, pp.44-56.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis

Mental health and well-being are fundamental to the quality of life and the productivity of individuals, families and communities, enabling people to experience life as meaningful. Deinstitutionalisation, the replacement of long-stay hospitals with community-based alternatives, can have favourable outcomes for people experiencing mental health problems. However, in many cases the community services needed for comprehensive care are not available. This raises the question as to whether the move from the long-stay hospital has been positive or not for health of clients. Therefore, it is important to examine clients' lived experiences of such a move. This study, carried out over the period of 1 year, sought to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of clients who made the transition from institutional-based care to community service provision. Nine residents took part in the study, and the average time spent in various institutions varied from 1 to 13 years. Findings indicated that participants experienced a significant change in their lives in relation to their psychological, physical and social health and well-being. Freedom for self-determination and living in an environment that gives them autonomy is at the core of their personal experience. It could be argued that deinstitutionalisation generated a shift in client experience in relation to their health and well-being.

Subject terms:
mental health problems, community care, community mental health services, deinstitutionalisation;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Ireland
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN print:
1462-3730

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