Nursing Interim Care: A Novel Practice Concept

The transition of elderly psychiatric patients from the inpatient milieu to the outpatient follow-up clinic at a community mental health center is frequently a critical period for future compliance with longer term care. The paper describes a novel practice concept that provides a temporary extension of the hospital support. Nursing Interim Care is based on the primary nurse model of an established therapeutic alliance. The continuity of care offered may present a viable remedy for patients' failure to connect with aftercare, and thus help to reduce early recidivism.