Recovery at an Adult Psychiatric Day Hospital—A Qualitative Interview Study Describing Patients’ Experiences

Abstract

Psychiatric Day Hospitals offer time-limited active treatment programmes that are therapeutically intensive, coordinated, and with structured clinical services within a stable environment. No previous studies have described patients’ experiences of recovery-oriented care at a Psychiatric Day Hospital in a Swedish or Nordic healthcare context. The aim of the study was to explore patients’ experiences of a Psychiatric Day Hospital with focus on patient recovery. A qualitative method was used; 12 in-depth interviews were performed with patients all analysed with content analysis. The theme that emerged was “A safe haven.” To do something routinely and meaningful during the days, feelings of security, and to gain increased knowledge about mental ill health were concepts which felt important and contributed to recovery. Feelings of belonging and prevention of loneliness were also highlighted.

Acknowledgements

We are greatly thankful to the participants who generously shared their experiences and to the staff at the Psychiatric Day Hospital who provided helpful information about the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.