The Longitudinal Discharge Planning and Treatment Model (LDPTM)

Abstract

This paper describes a longitudinally based discharge planning and treatment model. The model proposes to develop linkages between inpatient and community mental health providers during the early stages of hospitalization. The goal is to put the client's need first to ensure a smooth transition from the structure of the inpatient ward to the community, while maintaining continuity of care and reducing potential re-admissions to the hospital. The barriers that prevent such an adoption and implementation of such a system are discussed. Both clinical and policy issues are examined. Part 1 focuses on the background of case management and discharge planning and provides a critique of case management models (Belcher & DeForge, 2005). Part 2 presents and describes the components of the longitudinally based discharge planning and treatment model (LDPTM) (DeForge & Belcher, 2005).