Critical theory

Background: According to the literature reviewed, although families living with a mentally ill relative often face violence, this issue has been little studied in nursing. Methods: We conducted a qualitative research study to explore the experience of families dealing with this complex reality. We adopted Jacques Donzelot's theory of the government of family as our theoretical framework and used grounded theory as our research methodology.

Aims. This study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the process of hospital discharge experienced by the carers of patients ‘at risk’ of unsuccessful discharge from medical wards in three hospitals in the North of England.