Reflections on facilitated discharge from a mental health service

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to review research evidence and describe our experience of facilitated discharge from mental health services to primary care. Method: A literature review of facilitated discharge was conducted. In addition, the clinical characteristics of 21 discharged and 21 non-discharged patients from one shared care service were compared in a retrospective file review. Thirty-one patients in another facilitated discharge program were surveyed. Results: Discharged patients had a higher level of function. There was a trend towards discharged patients being female and employed with less chronic illness, involuntary treatment, behavioural symptoms, depot medication, triage..