Recurrence of Psychiatric Patient Hospitalization: The Nursing Role in Continuing Care

Abstract

               Psychiatric diseases are chronic diseases that require continuing care. Some may require lifelong care in cases of diseases that cannot be cured. The deterioration of personality will occur gradually after each illness. Furthermore, patients will not recognize the underlying reality causing symptoms of hallucinations, aggression, depression, poor hygiene, and unemployment. In fact, most patients will refuse to accept the fact of the illness, resulting in refusal of treatment and intermittent drug use, leading to even more severe symptoms. Currently, it is found that, in Thailand, 70% of psychiatric patients undergo recurrent treatment. Therefore, it is important that psychiatric patients receive continuing care to prevent recurrence of hospitalization.

                Nursing activities in the continuing care system for psychiatric patients are important, guidelines for effective continuing care are needed. Continuing care should be continually given from admission until discharge from the hospital.  The ability to provide this care for psychiatric patients requires the cooperation of the healthcare team. It is also important that, when patients are ready to go home, they are given appropriate referrals for the provision of continuing care in order to reduce readmission, and to allow patients to live in the community as long as possible. The desired result is to achieve a better quality of life for patients, family, and their communities.