The Deinstitutionalization Process of Psychiatric Clinics in Croatia

Abstract

This paper presents studies on the deinstitutionalization process of psychiatric clinics in Croatia, namely, the beginning of the process, its various forms and its indicators. The aim of the paper is to define patterns of the deinstitutionalization process of “total institutions”, for example, of psychiatric clinics in Croatia. The designated aims of the research encompass the main causes and indicators of the process, expert opinions as also the opinions of employees of non–government organizations (NGO). Interview methodology was applied and involved 11 participants. Research has pointed out that a deinstitutionalization process does indeed exist in psychiatric clinics in Croatia, and that it is dependent on state funding. The process occurs in the form of daycare hospitals, support and various other therapies which incorporate users of psychiatric clinics into the community. Success of the process, as well as its further development, is determined by the involvement and cooperation of employment bureaus, educational institutions and the entire community.