The "re-entry group" - A transitional therapeutic framework for mentally ill patients discharged from the hospital to community clinics

An effective transition of the psychiatric patient from the hospital to the community clinic is vital to the continuity of care. This study shows a sh ort-term group, the "re-entry group," to be more effective in this transiti on than are patients discharged from a psychiatric hospital by the traditio nal process. We used psychoeducational approach to facilitate active partic ipation and compliance with outpatient therapy. Outcome variables included absorption of patients into the clinic, continued therapy. compliance with treatment, rehospitalization, level of knowledge regarding illness and medi cation, quality of rehabilitation, and attitude rewards treatment.