PREDISCHARGE PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN TAIWAN: COMPARISONS OF PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS, RELATIVES, AND PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

A survey was conducted to assess the predischarge psychoeducational needs of psychiatric inpatients and their relatives compared to the perception of their needs by mental health professionals in Taiwan. A questionnaire survey adapted from Mueser et al. was used with a sample of 300 participants for this descriptive study. Patients and relatives reported a strong interest in learning more about psychiatric medications and strategies for managing common problems, respectively. Mental health professionals were more concerned with patients coping with depression and suicidal thoughts, which reflect current issues in Taiwan. Mental health professionals in Taiwan need to better understand their clients' needs in order to provide more effective predischarge psychoeducation.