'I'm institutionalised … there's not much I can do': Lived experience of housing related delayed discharge.
Christina Pui Ting Chuah, Anne Honey, Karen Arblaster
PMID 35614559WHAT IT FOUND
Ten consumers waiting for housing described being institutionalised by a total loss of choice.
They could not control basic routines, access meaningful activities, or arrange their own discharge, leading to reduced well-being and anticipated difficulties transitioning back to the community.
Key findings
01Participants experienced a lack of choice and control over basics, time, company, and future, which they described as being 'institutionalised'.
02The inability to engage in desired occupations due to ward restrictions and staff supervision requirements was the primary cause of reduced mental well-being for all ten participants.
03Hospital rules and lack of internet access prevented participants from performing necessary tasks to secure housing, forcing reliance on staff and limiting their control over discharge destinations.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study included only ten participants from a single local health district in Australia, so the findings may not reflect experiences in other settings or populations. Participants were all current inpatients, so their views on the actual transition back to the community are anticipated rather than experienced. The study did not capture the perspectives of staff, families, or consumers who declined to participate. Most findings regarding lack of choice and control may also apply to consumers whose discharge is delayed for non-housing reasons.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as evidence that discharge delays are caused by poor occupational therapy planning. The study identifies that the restrictive nature of the hospital environment itself, including locked wards and staff-dependent access to resources, is the primary driver of the loss of choice and control experienced by consumers.