Experiences of acute mental health inpatient care in the UK: from admission to readmission

BackgroundIndividuals experiencing psychosis are often admitted to acute mental health wards. There is increasing pressure to reduce readmission rates, by enhancing the effectiveness of care.MethodsEight service users with experiences of psychosis were interviewed about the support provided by mental services before, during and after acute mental health inpatients admissions in the UK.ResultsAll participants had at least one other admission to an acute mental health ward in the preceding six months. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three themes were identified: 1) Quality of therapeutic relationships, 2) Adjusting to sudden shifts in care, 3) Struggling without the ward environment. Although participants acknowledged positive care experiences within their narratives, significant challenges were evident in the abilities of services to effectively meet service users’ needs across the care pathway.DiscussionFindings highlight the importance of consistent support centred on service users’ needs at all stages of care. Service users need support to build autonomy and coping skills to sustain meaningful recovery within the community and reduce the likelihood of readmission.