Experience of Discharge from Rehabilitation Facility

Yee, Oon Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the essence of hospital life concerning discharge from rehabilitation facility as defined by clients with complete quadriplegia. METHOD: This was a qualitative research using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenology. Four participants with complete quadriplegia were participated.
RESULTS
The lived experience of discharge from rehabilitation facility among clients with complete quadriplegia was structured by 10 components and was defined as a life event which those patients felt fears and worries to leave the therapeutic environment and to return to their community with various changes due to their disability. During their hospital stay, the patients with quadriplegia were concerning to prepare proper living conditions and their health conditions so that they could keep their life independent and worthy. They also cherished a hope for cure for their cervical injury even at the moment of discharge.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests developing a discharge program which relieves the clients' emotional burden for discharge from inpatient rehabilitation facility and helps them to take an active role in preparing for returning to their daily life.