Healthcare professionals' perceptions of the implementation of the transitional discharge model for community integration of psychiatric clients

Family expectations of inpatient mental health services for adults with suicidal ideation: a qualitative study

Involvement of family members of adults with suicidal ideation is a key area of improvement in inpatient mental health services. To support family involvement in this context, it is crucial to understand what care and treatment family members expect for their relative. This qualitative study based on grounded theory involved interviews with 14 family members, including partners, parents, adult children and siblings. The family members' expectations of care and treatment in inpatient mental health services were captured by the core element 'Struggling to remain hopeful while looking through the lens of uncertainty'. This core element interacted with four sub-elements: assuming safety as a priority, looking for a healing approach and environment, counting on continuity of care and wanting to be involved and supported. The family members fluctuated between hope and uncertainty depending on whether their expectations were met or unmet. Unmet expectations were common and underpinned by a sense of being marginalized during the admission of their relative with suicidal ideation. Mental health professionals, including nurses, can be more empathetic towards the family members and attuned to their expectations. This can underpin partnerships that help families to deal with their feelings of uncertainty and disempowerment. Such partnerships can flourish in recovery-oriented mental health services that allow meaningful family involvement.

Family Matters in Ontario: Understanding and Addressing Homelessness Among Newcomer Families in Canada

BACKGROUND

Canada, a key player in global humanitarian affairs is faced with enormous challenges in relation to housing and homelessness. As international migration continues to occur, homelessness among immigrant families is increasing worldwide; a situation that needs urgent attention and action.

PURPOSE

We designed this study to explore the needs of homeless families, identify risk factors associated with family homelessness, and to find strategies that could assist in mitigating and preventing homelessness among families in Canada.

METHODS

This paper reports qualitative findings from a focused ethnographic study embedded in participatory action research that explored the experiences of 11 immigrant families with housing challenges in Ontario Canada.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis yielded five (5) major themes: life challenges; lack of understanding of the system; difficulty with conflict resolution; escaping as a solution for hardship; and reducing immigrant family homelessness.

CONCLUSION

Findings from the study highlight the urgent need for advocacy and a well-tailored supportive housing policy to address family homelessness in Ontario.