Date of Submission

Fall 12-3-2022

Document Type

Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr Trinette Radasa

Second Advisor

Dr Deepika Goyal

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a thought disorder. As such it affects an individual level of function, and often leads to acute hospitalization. When clients with schizophrenia disorders are discharged, they are a great risk for suicide and danger to others. Services aimed at bridging patients from an acute facility to their community setting could be essential in helping the client in treatment to reach functional recovery and avoid relapse.

Objective: This article explores the role of mental health peer navigators in improving treatment adherence for adult clients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder being discharged from a psychiatric facility into their unique community setting

Methods: The review examines 10 studies conducted between 2017 and 2022 illustrating interventions relating to mental health services and linkage to health services provided by peers with lived experiences.

Interventions: Peer workers therapeutic alliance can motivate clients to engage in treatment by supporting, and promoting their autonomy, by teaching about the illness process, by providing information about community mental health services, and by listening to the clients’ perspective about treatment recovery.

Results: Studies seem to show continuation of service that seamlessly links patients to community services is beneficial when a therapeutic alliance is built between the client and the mental health service provider.

Conclusions: The implementation of mental health navigation services before discharge from a psychiatric facility to facilitate the passage to community mental health services would improve treatment adherence.

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