Exploring sustainable care pathways - a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Transition Care

Background:

• Patients with mental health conditions frequently transition between hospital and community care settings.
• These transitions present significant challenges to continuity of care and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical care pathways facilitating transitions between psychiatric hospitalization and community health services.
• To identify key factors influencing the effectiveness of these care pathways.

Main Methods:

• A broad scoping review of published research from 2009-2020.
• Inclusion of 16 review articles and 12 primary studies focusing on care pathways during psychiatric hospital to community transitions.

Main Results:

• Organizational factors: Establishing clear responsibilities and transparency across care pathway stages is essential.
• Technological and informational support: Utilizing information technology and providing structured patient information enhances outcomes.
• Collaborative approaches: Patient-centered, respectful communication and interprofessional teamwork are vital for meeting patient needs.

Conclusions:

• Clear systems and procedures enhance responsibility and transparency in care pathways.
• Information technology and interprofessional collaboration improve patient outcomes and ensure needs are met.
• Successful transitions are supported by around-the-clock teams, shared decision-making, and respectful, patient-centered communication.