Experiences of Patients with Alcohol Dependence Participating in a Transitional Care Program: A Qualitative Study
Keywords:
Alcohol Dependence, Patient Experiences, Transitional Care ProgramAbstract
The study explored the experiences of patients with alcohol dependence who participated in a nurse-led transitional care program at a psychiatric hospital in northern Thailand. It also examined barriers and facilitators that influenced post-discharge recovery. The researchers used a descriptive-phenomenological approach and purposive sampling to recruit 15 participants. They collected data through in-depth interviews conducted 90 days post-discharge and analyzed the results using Colaizzi's method.
Four major themes emerged: (1) Patients gained knowledge and awareness of alcohol dependence, which shifted their perspectives, motivated them to view the condition as a medical illness, and inspired them to pursue treatment. (2) Patients developed self-management capabilities, such as adhering to medication, recognizing relapse warning signs, and modifying their lifestyles. (3) Patients built supportive relationships with nurses and family, and all valued non-judgmental therapeutic relationships. (4) Patients encountered barriers and facilitators to recovery, with social stigma, cultural pressure, and economic constraints as prominent barriers, and Buddhist beliefs and meaningful occupation as key facilitators. These findings suggest that transitional care programs should integrate community-based support, incorporate Thai cultural and spiritual dimensions, and strengthen continuous post-discharge care.
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