Leisure: how to promote inpatient motivation after discharge

1. A group of psychiatric inpatients followed plans to participate in leisure activities after discharge at significantly higher levels when treated with classes and written contracts; or classes, written contracts, and musical entertainment; rather than with classes alone. 2. Inpatient classes for psychiatric patients should be coupled with other interventions, such as contracts or musical entertainment, to assist patients to attain therapeutic goals after discharge. 3. The utilization of written goal-setting contracts seems to have merit as a routine nursing intervention with psychiatric inpatients. 4. The use of a written contract left with the patient may promote or enhance a nurse/patient transaction.