Moving on from forensic inpatient care: conversations with patients

A significant number of forensic inpatients are recalled to hospital. This is concerning given that readmission to a forensic hospital should be a reflection of an increased risk that the individual presents and deterioration of mental state. This qualitative study aimed to explore patient perspectives of the discharge process and the barriers and facilitators to remaining in the community following discharge from forensic inpatient services. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with the following categories of forensic patients: patients who had been discharged from forensic services and been readmitted to services; patients who had been discharged from forensic services and were currently still living in the community and patients who had been in the discharge process (had a tenancy identified) and had then not progressed to discharge. A reflexive thematic analysis of the interview data revealed five themes: signs of readiness; compliance; support of professionals valued vs monitoring of behaviour; meaning, connection and purpose; and living environment as source of safety. Implications for practice include the consideration of support upon discharge being more flexible and individualised and gaining regular feedback from patients who are newly discharged.