The Transitional Discharge Model: Comparing Implementation in Canada and Scotland

Effective discharge planning is needed to facilitate clients' transition from psychiatric hospital wards to community care. Previous studies have shown that client outcomes can be improved by using a Transitional Discharge Model (TDM) that includes peer support and an extension of inpatient-practitioner relationships that are introduced prior to discharge. However, countries vary in many ways that may affect implementation of the model. This article describes some of the similarities and differences related to introducing transitional discharge in two countries: Canada and Scotland. It is important to elucidate facilitators and challenges in implementing the TDM to identify and disseminate strategies to aid implementation. Implications for future implementation of the model are also discussed.