title: Managing the discharge crisis following catastrophic illness or injury.
abstract: Discharge from the acute care setting frequently represents a serious crisis for the catastrophically ill. Family members and the patient are expected to resume responsibility quickly for ongoing care while simultaneously coping with significant alterations in established role and behavior patterns. The dynamics of this transition are discussed and suggestions for helping the family cope with this crisis are offered.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000359:Aftercare; D002388:Catastrophic Illness; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003419:Crisis Intervention; D005190:Family; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012944:Social Support; D012948:Social Work Department, Hospital