The head nurses’ perceptions of the impact of deinstitutionalization on the chronically mentally ill

This study describes head nurses' perceptions of the impact of deinstitutionalization on persons with chronic mental illness. A phenomenological approach is the methodology used in this study. Data were collected by use of an in-depth semi-structured interview. The participants in the study were seven head nurses from a large psychiatric institution in Western Canada. Themes derived from the data were abstracted into three content categories. The content categories are contributing factors, impact on the individual and facilitating factors. Major themes under each of the content categories are described. The findings reveal that head nurses perceive that deinstitutionalization has negative and positive effects on the chronic mentally ill. The negative effects are stigma, homelessness and the revolving door syndrome. Positive effects of deinstitutionalization can be a better quality of life with adequate communication, patient preparation, education and resources/facilities in the community. The findings also show that head nurses perceive that some persons with chronic mental illness may require care in a psychiatric institution for most of their lives. The implications that deinstitutionalization has for nursing practice, education, administration and research are presented.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofGraduat