title: Preventing homelessness after discharge from psychiatric wards: perspectives of consumers and staff.
abstract: After spending time in the hospital, psychiatric clients are often discharged to homeless shelters or the streets, which can place a burden on health care systems. This study examined the effects of an intervention in which psychiatric clients from acute (n = 219) and tertiary (n = 32) sites were provided with predischarge assistance in securing housing. A program evaluation design was used to examine the effectiveness of the intervention. Qualitative data were available through interviews, focus groups, and monthly meetings. The results highlight several benefits of the intervention and show that homelessness can be reduced by connecting housing support, income support, and psychiatric care.
authors: Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada. cforchuck@uwo.ca
authors: Cheryl
authors: C
authors: Forchuk
authors: Mike
authors: M
authors: Godin
authors: Jeffrey S
authors: JS
authors: Hoch
authors: Shani
authors: S
authors: Kingston-Macclure
authors: Momodou S
authors: MS
authors: Jeng
authors: Liz
authors: L
authors: Puddy
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Vann
authors: Elsabeth
authors: E
authors: Jensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009864:Ontario; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010351:Patient Discharge; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011632:Public Assistance; D036301:Qualitative Research