Coordinating Mental Health Services for People with Serious Mental Illness: A Scoping Review of Transitions from Psychiatric Hospital to Community

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2019 May;46(3):352-367. doi: 10.1007/s10488-018-00918-7.

Abstract

Effective coordination as people with serious mental illness (SMI) move between care settings is essential. We aimed to review challenges to care coordination for people with SMI and identify approaches for improving it. Sixteen articles were identified. Two main challenges emerged: people with SMI facing adjustment challenges during transitions and services struggling to provide continuity of care. Effective approaches addressed coordination challenges and resulted in better improvements in service utilization, social functioning and quality of life. Future interventions may benefit from shared decision-making, support for caregivers, and addressing the challenges associated with complicated medication regimes and accessing medications.

Keywords: Care coordination; Care transitions; Continuity of care; Scoping review; Serious mental illness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Community Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Continuity of Patient Care / organization & administration*
  • Decision Making
  • Employment / psychology
  • Family / psychology
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Medication Adherence
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Patient Discharge
  • Quality of Life
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Social Support

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents