Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What was an unintended consequence of deinstitutionalization of mentally ill individuals?

1. Increased funding for community-based services

2. Greater availability of community-based care

3. Shortened hospital stays in mental health facilities

4. Increased number of homeless persons

The correct answer is: Increased number of homeless persons

The deinstitutionalization of mentally ill individuals aimed to shift care from large psychiatric hospitals to community-based settings, promoting independence and integration into society. However, an unintended consequence of this shift was the increased number of homeless persons. Many individuals released from facilities did not have adequate access to community resources, supportive housing, or long-term care solutions necessary to maintain stability. The transition often happened too quickly, without sufficient planning or support systems in place. As a result, some individuals with mental health disorders found themselves unable to secure housing or treatment, leading to a rise in homelessness among this vulnerable population. This phenomenon highlights the importance of comprehensive planning and resource allocation when implementing major healthcare policy changes, especially concerning the transition of services for vulnerable groups.