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

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The document provides information on a webinar by the American Psychiatric Association focused on improving aftercare for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). The session, dated November 2022, targets the enhancement of care post-discharge from psychiatric facilities to improve patient outcomes and prevent rehospitalization.<br /><br />Key objectives include exploring post-hospitalization challenges such as non-adherence and service disengagement, and evaluating strategies to better coordinate care. The webinar discusses organizational barriers such as lack of resources and continuity in community care, factors contributing to engagement in aftercare, and emphasizes the importance of effective transition of care.<br /><br />A notable intervention highlighted is the Brief Critical Time Intervention (B-CTI), a three-month program for individuals with conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This intervention aims to facilitate the continuity of psychiatric outpatient care, involving clinicians meeting patients immediately post-discharge, developing personalized treatment plans, and maintaining high levels of contact through home visits and accompaniment to appointments. Results indicated reduced time between hospital discharge and first outpatient visits and greater continuity in care.<br /><br />Furthermore, the text underscores the "revolving door" phenomenon, where individuals repeatedly cycle through hospital care due to poor service quality or inadequate coordination between care levels. Emphasis is placed on coordinating mental health services as an essential feature of quality care for SMI individuals. Strategies such as patient contact with providers before discharge, family involvement, and brief case management interventions are suggested to bolster aftercare.<br /><br />The webinar also outlines expectations for effective transition of care and the need for structured planning for hospital discharge, aiming to reduce relapses and related complications like homelessness and suicide. The session is accredited for various continuing education credits for professionals attending live. Participants are encouraged to engage with Q&A, download relevant materials, and explore upcoming webinars.

Keywords

American Psychiatric Association

serious mental illness

aftercare

post-discharge

Brief Critical Time Intervention

continuity of care

revolving door phenomenon

mental health services

transition of care

webinar