Managing preconcieved expectations : mental health service users experiences of going home from hospital: a grounded theory study

Abstract

Background: The experience of mental distress and subsequent admission to hospital can be a difficult and challenging event in a persons' life. Following a period of hospitalisation, going home and re-entering the community can also result in increased vulnerability for mental health service users. Furthermore, relapse and subsequent readmission to hospital are a major source of stress for service users. Readmission rates have been suggested as one indicator of the success of the transition from hospital to community care. In 2009, there were 20,195 admissions to psychiatric hospitals in Ireland. Seventy percent (n=14,223) of these admissions were readmissions suggesting an unsuccessful transition for a high number of people. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a grounded theory that explored mental health service users' experiences of going home from hospital.