‘Only Now Do I Truly Feel That My Recovery Begins’: A Qualitative Study of the Transition Experiences From Chronic Psychiatric Hospitalisation to Community Living Among Individuals With Schizophrenia

Individuals with schizophrenia often face challenges in returning to the community after prolonged hospitalisations. To effectively support the transition process, it is essential to understand the lived experiences and unmet needs from the perspectives of individuals with schizophrenia. This study aimed to gain a deep understanding of how individuals with schizophrenia experience the transition from chronic psychiatric hospitalisation to community living. We conducted in-depth individual interviews with eight participants with schizophrenia who had experiences of being hospitalised in chronic psychiatric wards for six or more months and were currently living in the community. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework Method. Three interrelated patterns of transition experience were identified: uncertainty during discharge planning, self-doubt during early community living and adaptation towards recovery in the community. Uncertainty during discharge planning involved concerns about financial burdens, housing and mental illness stigma. Self-doubt during early community living reflected challenges in managing daily activities, building interpersonal relationships and the need for continued supervision. Adaptation towards recovery involved developing self-management skills, strengthening community connectedness despite limited resources and participation opportunities and recognising community integration as an essential part of recovery. The transition from chronic psychiatric hospitalisation to community living among individuals with schizophrenia is a recovery-oriented process shaped by intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural/contextual factors. Support tailored to individuals' evolving needs, coordinated care and expanded community resources are important for promoting sustained recovery.