Reducing Mental Health Recidivism With Efficient Aftercare Planning

Abstract

Inpatient behavioral health recidivism rates are a growing cause of concern in healthcare. Evidence shows that poor discharge planning can result in adverse outcomes if a patient is discharged without appropriate aftercare. Research studies have explored the essential components of a discharge plan for a patient discharging from an inpatient mental health facility. The primary purpose of this pilot is to decrease mental health recidivism by using a specific discharge plan upon inpatient discharge that includes information about aftercare, support, medication information, and a safety plan. The secondary purpose is to improve depression ratings and medication adherence and decrease the risk for suicide. The sample group consisted of 8 participants, three females and five males, ranging from age 18 to 36. Participants were recruited from an inpatient mental health unit in the Midwest. The project involved a pre-and post-survey of a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to determine depression symptoms and suicide risk. During the five-week intervention, a Medication Adherence Rating Scale was administered weekly to determine medication adherence. Six of the eight participants completed the project intervention. The data showed improvement in the pre and post Patient Health Questionnaire-9, recidivism risk, and suicide risk. Limited improvement was observed in the Medication Adherence Rating Scale data. Overall, this intervention has the potential to decrease recidivism rates, improve depressive symptoms, improve medication adherence, and decrease suicide risk for adults with a primary mental health diagnosis.