Bridging the discharge process: staff and client experiences over time

Before the “Bridge to Discharge” innovation, hospital and community services were largely separate, and the consumer group was rarely included in direct clinical issues. The “Bridge to Discharge” project involves a partnership among a psychiatric hospital schizophrenia program, a public health program, and a consumer group to assist individuals who had experienced lengthy psychiatric admissions reintegrate into the community. This article reports the qualitative evaluation of client and staff responses every other month regarding the changes in this project. Clients described “hope” for a life outside the hospital and the importance of working with staff they knew. Role changes for both the inpatient nurses and the public health nurse reflect role expansions and a broader attention to client issues. Partnerships among hospital, community, and consumer groups have the potential to assist clients to make the transition to successful community living. Understanding the changes over time resulting from innovations will assist nurses and others in planning for appropriate services and supports.