Improving Efficacy in Aftercare: Targeted Intervention for People Living with Serious Mental Illness-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In the SMI Advisor webinar, experts discuss effective aftercare strategies for individuals with serious mental illness post-hospitalization. Clinical Director Jose Villarroel of Erie Family Health Centers and SMI Advisor highlights the challenges individuals face upon discharge, including adherence issues, service disengagement, and communication barriers. The focus is on bridging the gap between inpatient and outpatient care, emphasizing shared decision-making and involving family and community supports.<br /><br />Ashley Gonsard, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, emphasizes the importance of planning and coordination for successful transition. Key interventions include communication between inpatient and outpatient providers, outpatient program initiation before discharge, and family involvement. The webinar introduces brief critical time intervention (BCTI), a three-month model aimed at enhancing continuity of care. Results show significant improvement in patients' engagement and continuity of mental health services.<br /><br />Participants are encouraged to consider factors like systemic communication breakdowns and patient education as critical challenges. Effective aftercare aims to prevent the revolving door phenomenon—frequent hospital readmissions due to inadequate post-discharge support. By creating individual plans and utilizing psychoeducation, the system strives to reduce risks like suicide and homelessness while promoting sustainable recovery. The session concludes with an interactive Q&A, addressing concerns about involving family in youth mental health care and emphasizing flexibility and patient-centered approaches in treatment planning.

Keywords

aftercare strategies

serious mental illness

post-hospitalization

continuity of care

shared decision-making

family involvement

communication barriers

critical time intervention

psychoeducation

revolving door phenomenon