[Implementing hospital test discharge periods for young adults with mental health problems: an explorative...

Young adults with mental health problems need age-appropriate support as they move into adulthood. Few studies focus on specific therapeutic interventions for this group within a residential context. Little is known about the experiences of test discharge in the treatment process. A test discharge is a temporary discharge followed by a readmission.

To investigate how young adults experience a test discharge. Based on these findings, the use of test discharge as a therapeutic intervention can be optimised. At a later stage, the perspectives of mental health professionals and significant others will also be explored.

A qualitative explorative study was designed. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with a heterogeneous group of young adults living in a Flemish (semi-residential) young adult unit.

A test discharge was initially perceived as an alienating, suspenseful and frightening event. Afterwards, young adults experienced the test discharge as supportive for their personal development. It provided them with realistic feedback about themselves and enabled them to identify and adjust their own existing responses or patterns.

During a test discharge, young adults face practical and emotional challenges. Targeted and tailored counselling, aiming to strengthen their autonomy and (self-)confidence, is crucial.