The “Re-Entry Group”—A Transitional Therapeutic Framework for Mentally Ill Patients Discharged from the Hospital to Community Clinics

Abstract

An effective transition of the psychiatric patient from the hospital to the community clinic is vital to the continuity of care. This study shows a short-term group, the “re-entry group,” to be more effective in this transition than are patients discharged from a psychiatric hospital by the traditional process. We used a psychoeducational approach to facilitate active participation and compliance with outpatient therapy. Outcome variables included absorption of patients into the clinic, continued therapy, compliance with treatment, rehospitalization, level of knowledge regarding illness and medication, quality of rehabilitation, and attitude towards treatment.