Date of Conferral

2-18-2025

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Miguel Messina

Abstract

Behavioral health organizations face significant challenges in managing psychiatric hospital readmissions, often influenced by social determinants of health (SDOH) such as poverty, education, social support, housing, and food security. This study examines the perspectives of behavioral health leadership on discharge planning in psychiatric hospitals in the southeastern United States, exploring how leadership strategies impact patient readiness for discharge and reduce the risk of readmission. Using the Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework, key performance categories, including leadership, strategy, measurement, and operations, were evaluated to inform actionable improvements in discharge planning and transitional care. Evidence was collected through interviews with healthcare leaders and secondary data from patient cases, focusing on complex medical and behavioral health challenges. Data were analyzed with thematic analysis using NVivo software. Findings revealed that addressing SDOH barriers, integrating interdisciplinary care, and employing effective communication and transitional care programs significantly reduces readmissions and improve patient outcomes. Recommendations include assigning complex care coordinators, enhancing transitional care programs, tracking readmission reasons using electronic health records, and advocating for Medicaid policy reforms. Implications for professional practice include improved discharge planning, reduced financial strain on healthcare systems, and enhanced patient care quality. Further, health inequities can be reduced and improve community well-being when the cycle of psychiatric hospital readmissions is reduced through targeted interventions and systemic reforms.

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