Reduced rehospitalizations and reintegration of persons with mental illness into community living: a holistic approach

The goal of inpatient rehabilitation services should be directed towards returning persons with mental illness to the community by producing measurable gains in functioning that promote increased personal independence, self-direction, and care to prepare the patient to live in the least restrictive environment. Aftercare compliance was increased and the recidivism rate was cut in half when the aftercare nurse saw the person with mental illness before discharge and a specific appointment was scheduled with the aftercare nurse. The scope of community outpatient services that can be authorized is determined by the outcome of negotiating and communicating between the clinician and case manager.