The Knowledge Integration Project examines strategies for the introduction of a best practice related to transitional discharge care into selected psychiatric settings. An empirically supported model called the Transitional Discharge Model (TDM) will be used to evaluate the knowledge transition framework.
General Information
What is the study about?
- A previous clinical trial was completed to test the effectiveness of a new model of discharge care. It was called the Transitional Discharge Model (TDM).
- At completion of the trial, clients were able to leave hospital approximately four months earlier without an increase in readmission.
- This study focuses on identifying strategies that influence implementation of the TDM on all participating wards.
- There are two components to the TDM:
- Continuous weekly support provided to the client by an inpatient staff member. This is done in person or by telephone until the client develops a working therapeutic relationship with a community care provider.
- At the point of discharge, the connection of the client with peer support through the local Consumer/Survivor agency providing peer support.
- A variety of wards from six different hospital sites will participate in the study.
- Clients on the wards will be offered the opportunity to participate in the study at the point of discharge. Clients are also eligible if they are up for an LOA leading to a later discharge date.
- Each ward will provide baseline and monthly information about staffing patterns, client activity, and other activities and events affecting the ward.
- The research assistant will interview clients at the point of discharge and at one-month post-discharge to collect information from the client.
- Focus groups with inpatient staff will also take place to collect information regarding the ability for staff to implement the model of discharge care.
- This study will provide policy makers, administrators, educators, managers, clinicians, and clients with useful information related to implementing evidence-based interventions, and improve the quality of life and health of consumers currently living in the community, and consumers being discharged from psychiatric facilities.
- The results may help with the development of policies and practices to facilitate the integration of the research and evidence-based modalities into mental health care.
Funding for the Knowledge Integration Project is provided by:
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Canadian Institute of Health Research is the government of Canada's health research funding agency. It supports the work of up to 10,000 researchers and trainees in universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutes across Canada
Additional funding is provided by:
- Centre for Mountain Health Services, St. Joseph's Healthcare
- Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene
- Whitby Mental Health Centre
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Services
- Lawson Health Research Institute