Transition of care from acute psychiatric care to primary care

For adults with severe mental illness there are serious issues with poor transitions of care. There are many types of transitions that patients experience that can negatively affect continuity of care. These transitions can also compound a patient's illness. The focus within the limits of this project is on care setting transitions from acute to primary care. The point of discharge from acute psychiatric care to primary care is a critical time in the care continuum, and it should be treated with the utmost importance. The purpose of this integrative review is to examine evidence based practices and processes in order to identify ways to facilitate seamless transitions and continuity of care for mentally ill adults discharged from acute psychiatric care to primary care. Further, to offer recommendations for Family Nurse Practitioners practicing in primary care in Canada. Background information on severe mental illness, care transitions, and a case example are presented along with an overview of primary care. A comprehensive search strategy identified 17 relevant studies. Four key findings underline the importance of confidentiality, linkage between acute and primary care, communication, and therapeutic relationships. The recommendations offered are directed to the FNP in primary care, but are relevant to many healthcare providers. They may also be helpful in other settings, such as acute psychiatric care or community mental health. --Leaf ii.