Graduation Year
2026
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Primary Major
Nursing
Primary Minor
Global Public Health
Thesis Advisor
Kendra Hoepper, DNP, APRN, PNP-C
Abstract
Background: Suicide is a pervasive and far-reaching issue. Psychiatric hospitalization is often used as an intervention for individuals, including adolescents, experiencing suicidal ideation and/or behavior. However, post-discharge care may lack structure or clearly defined follow-up services, which can result in rehospitalizations and increased suicidality. Objective: The goal of the proposed research study is to investigate how implementation of peer support groups for adolescents following psychiatric hospitalization can assist in reducing readmissions and mitigating suicide risk. This can also help shape strategies for managing care after discharge. Method: The proposed research study utilizes a quantitative quasi-experimental design to determine the efficacy of peer support groups in lowering hospital readmissions and suicide risk among adolescents. The study consists of a control group and an experimental group. Both groups will receive standard post-discharge care. Participants are evaluated using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) pre- and post-intervention. Chart reviews are also performed. Results: The data required for this study are still to be collected, but the expected results are that the peer support groups will yield beneficial outcomes in the immediate post-discharge period following hospitalization. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to analyze the data and results. Conclusion: Adolescent readmissions and risk for suicide could potentially diminish through the application of peer support groups after discharge. Significant and positive findings suggest enhanced care transitions, better mental health outcomes, and improved quality of life. Understanding and awareness of effective treatments following psychiatric hospitalization can help guide post-discharge care and most importantly, save lives.