Assessing the readiness for hospital discharge in persons with mental illness. A study in tertiary neuropsychiatric hospital in north india

35^th Euro Congress on Psychiatrists and Psychologists

June 16-17, 2025 Webinar

Aarushi

Department of Psychiatry, IHBAS,India

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Clinical Neurology & Neurosurgery

Abstract :

Introduction: In the complex world of mental health care, one of the most critical stages during inpatient care is hospital discharge. With changes in healthcare systems, hospital stays have significantly shortened. Proper discharge planning to ensure continuity of care has thus become essential. Discharge preparation is an ongoing process that should ideally begin at admission. It requires active involvement of the patient, caregiver, and the multidisciplinary mental healthcare team. This study explores various aspects related to readiness for discharge among patients admitted to mental health institutions. From assessing clinical stability to evaluating social support, the study examines the key factors enabling a smooth transition back to daily life. To assess the readiness for discharge in psychiatric in patients with severe mental illnesses and compare it across different diagnostic groups. Method: This cross-sectional study included 100 adult patients with severe mental illness, recruited through purposive sampling over 6 months. Ethical clearance was obtained. Data was collected from the inpatient wards of a tertiary neuropsychiatric hospital in Delhi (IHBAS). Diagnoses were made using ICD-10 DCR criteria for Schizophrenia, Severe Depressive Episode, Bipolar Affective Disorder, and Schizoaffective Disorder. Relevant clinical and sociodemographic details were recorded. The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale – Adult Form (Hindi version) was used. Univariate analysis was done to assess readiness across illnesses. Results: Most patients scored low on all four RHD subscales: Personal Status, Knowledge, Coping Ability, and Expected Support. Patients rated highest on personal status and lowest on knowledge, while family members rated highest on expected support and lowest on personal status. Despite clinical readiness, a gap in overall preparedness was evident. Differences in readiness were noted across sociodemographic and clinical variables. Conclusion: RHD among participants was moderate. Routine assessment of discharge readiness is strongly recommended.

Biography :

Aarushi is a committed mental health professional currently serving in the Department of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), India. With a strong foundation in psychiatric care, she is actively involved in both clinical and academic work, focusing on comprehensive mental health assessment, treatment, and community outreach. Aarushi’s key areas of interest include adolescent mental health, psychosocial rehabilitation, and early intervention strategies in psychiatric disorders. She is known for her empathetic approach to patient care and her dedication to promoting mental health awareness in underserved populations. At IHBAS, she contributes to multidisciplinary teams and supports research initiatives aimed at improving mental healthcare delivery systems. Aarushi is also engaged in mental health education, striving to reduce stigma and enhance understanding of psychiatric conditions through seminars and training programs. Her work reflects a deep commitment to holistic and patient-centered mental health practices.