Coordinating in-patient and out-patient services: the need for action

This research reports the findings of a year-long study on the efforts to link discharged in-patients to community support services. Using the informal network model developed by O'Brien and others, the assumption that existing services will be used, just because they are there, is clearly shown to be in error. The implications for management are delineated, documenting that staff efforts in discharge planning are needed, that contracts with community-based service programs may help. Unless such efforts are undertaken, the long-term effectiveness of in-patient programs is questioned.